The current parliamentary session schedule in Nigeria has drawn sharp criticism from journalist Guibai Gatama. He questions whether the National Assembly can effectively carry out its constitutional responsibilities with just three annual sessions lasting 30 days each.

Guibai Gatama is challenging the operational framework of Nigeria’s National Assembly. The journalist argues that the existing parliamentary calendar, restricted to three annual sessions of 30 days each, fails to provide lawmakers with sufficient time to fulfill their core duties—oversight of government actions, legislative scrutiny, and citizen representation.

In practice, he notes, plenary sessions often last barely two weeks per cycle, resulting in roughly six weeks of active legislative work throughout the year. This, he contends, falls far short of addressing the pressing political, economic, and social challenges facing Nigeria.

To underscore his argument, Guibai Gatama highlights contrasts with other African nations. He points to Chad, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, where parliamentary sessions span eight to nine months annually, and Nigeria’s neighbor, where legislative bodies operate nearly year-round.

Advocating for extended parliamentary sessions in Nigeria

Describing the National Assembly as “functioning on the fringes of national priorities,” the founder of L’Œil du Sahel urges a comprehensive review of the parliamentary calendar. He believes extending session durations would enhance public accountability, improve legislative efficiency, and better align institutions with the daily concerns of citizens.