Senate Introduces Bill for Local Government Elections, Rejects Road Transport Agency Proposal

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate introduced a bill aimed at establishing a federal agency to conduct local government elections. 

The "Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)" was sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and passed its first reading.

The bill proposes the creation of the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC), an autonomous body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections for Local Government Chairmen and Councillors across all states. Its mandate includes ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.

In contrast, the Senate rejected the "National Road Transport Council In Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 324)," sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader Oyelola Ashiru. This bill aimed to create an agency to regulate road transport and the transportation profession but failed to pass the second reading. Lawmakers argued that Nigeria does not need additional agencies, aligning with the ongoing implementation of the Steve Oronsaye report, which advocates reducing the number of federal agencies.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North vehemently opposed the transport bill, highlighting the existing role of the police in traffic management and criticizing the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for not adequately performing its duties.