Absenteeism of Federal Lawmakers in Nigeria's National Assembly Raises Concerns

Absenteeism is a significant problem in Nigeria's National Assembly, with many lawmakers abandoning their duties to participate in the 2027 political campaigns. A recent report found that most senators have stopped attending plenary and committee sessions. The low attendance has raised concerns about the quality and legitimacy of decisions made under such conditions. According to a legislative official, many lawmakers now arrive late and leave early, making it challenging to form a quorum.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, have also been late to plenary sessions. Akpabio arrived at 12:38 pm, far behind the official 11 am start time. Many other lawmakers followed suit, with some even choosing to participate in campaign exercises instead of attending plenary sessions. Out of 109 senators, at least 57 are seeking re-election and have been spending more time at their bases, making it difficult to form a quorum.

The low attendance at plenary sessions poses a dire challenge to law and order, raising concerns about the legitimacy of decisions made. The National Assembly is expected to make laws for the smooth running of the country, but if the quorum is frequently compromised, it can make life more difficult for Nigerians. According to Section 54(1) of the 1999 Constitution, at least 36 senators must be present for the commencement of any day's business, but this provision has been flouted with impunity.

A violation of the constitutional provision for quorum occurred in March 2025 when the two chambers approved a resolution for a state of emergency in Rivers State. The parliament passed the resolution through voice vote without a recorded tally, despite not meeting the quorum earlier. Bills or motions that violate the requirement for quorum are subject to a legal contest and could be rendered null and void.

The absenteeism of federal lawmakers has significant implications for democratic accountability. Laws that do not go through the crucible of debates cannot serve the interests of Nigerians, and bypassing the requisite legislative processes creates flawed outcomes. The situation is made worse by the fact that lawmakers are paid at the end of the month based on the assumption that they have fulfilled their duties, including attendance at plenary.

The constitutional attendance threshold is also inadequate, and the practice of lawmakers abandoning plenary for election campaigns is sheer legislative irresponsibility. It shows contempt for the people who voted them as representatives and treats their work with levity. Nigeria cannot continue paying legislators for work not done, and getting paid to campaign for re-election is not part of the intention of the drafters of the constitution.

The absenteeism of federal lawmakers must stop, and the two chambers must realize that it enables a gradual and systemic erosion of law-making standards. The National Assembly must take concrete steps to address the issue and ensure that lawmakers fulfill their duties. Ultimately, the lawmakers must prioritize their responsibilities to the people who elected them and ensure that their actions serve the interests of Nigerians.

Key points

• The absenteeism of federal lawmakers in Nigeria's National Assembly raises concerns about the legitimacy and quality of decisions made.
• The low attendance at plenary sessions poses a dire challenge to law and order, and the National Assembly must take concrete steps to address the issue.
• The absenteeism of federal lawmakers enables a gradual and systemic erosion of law-making standards, which ultimately corrodes democratic accountability.