‘Agencies must perform according to law’ – Reps Insist
The House of Representatives has said it will collaborate with agencies of government empowered by law to have subsidiary legislative functions, to perform their duties in line with the laws of the land.
Chairman of the House Committee on Delegated Legislation, Femi Bamisile, who spoke at the inaugural meeting yesterday, said his committee has been entrusted to ensure the agencies perform their lawmaking functions in alignment with the enabling acts, promoting transparency, accountability, and the general welfare of the Nigerian people.
Bamisile said: “Delegated legislation refers to laws made by bodies other than the parliament, but under authority derived from the parliament. It allows for the streamlined and efficient process of lawmaking, as it empowers specialised agencies with technical expertise to create laws in line with the broader objectives set out by the legislature.
“As we gather today, it is imperative to recognise the authority under which this committee operates. Section 62(1)of the Constitution outlines the workings of the House of Representatives, stating that the house shall sit in committees to carry out its functions. This provision emphasises the importance of committees in the legislative process, as they enable in-depth analysis and scrutiny of legislations…
“Subsidiary legislations are often highly specialised and technical in nature, requiring expert knowledge and experience. As lawmakers, we cannot possibly be expected to possess such intricate expertise in every field. Therefore, through delegated legislation, we delegate this power to those agencies and bodies that possess the necessary technical understanding. As a committee, our role is to ensure that these specialised laws are made within the confines of the enabling acts, adhering to due process and safeguarding the rights and interests of the Nigerian people…”
