Reps move to sanitise subsidiary legislations in MDAs

The House of Representatives has initiated measures to address overlapping subsidiary legislations and jurisdictional conflicts among federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). The House Committee on Delegated Legislations announced a 10-month mandatory training programme for judicial officers handling subsidiary laws, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC). […]

The House of Representatives has initiated measures to address overlapping subsidiary legislations and jurisdictional conflicts among federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The House Committee on Delegated Legislations announced a 10-month mandatory training programme for judicial officers handling subsidiary laws, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC).

Committee Chairman Rep. Richard Olufemi Bamisile said “Subsidiary legislations are critical for policy implementation, yet MDAs often bypass the National Assembly, submitting drafts directly to the Ministry of Justice. This leads to jurisdictional clashes.”

Barrister Imarha Oghenenyerowo Reuben of the justice ministry commended the committee’s initiative, saying it would help sanitise the system by ensuring MDAs adhere to legal provisions.

He acknowledged that the ministry has been grappling with challenges arising from overlapping legislations, which sometimes result in legal disputes among MDAs.

PLAC Senior Programme Officer, Amah Iember, said overlapping mandates disrupt MDA operations, necessitating clearer legal boundaries.