Analysis of the Challenges of Legislative Oversight on Good Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the constitutional provisions of the National Assembly to use oversight function and also discussed cases of lack of transparency, accountability and effectiveness in the discharge of legislative-oversight in Nigeria. The study equally identified challenges of the National Assembly in carrying out oversight function in the study area. These were with the view to providing information on the impact of legislative oversight on good governance in the country. Data were collected through secondary source from relevant books, 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, journals, National Assembly hanzard and  media articles, and were content analyzed. The study showed that relevant provisions of the 1999 constitution empowered the National Assembly to undertake effective oversight in Nigeria. The study equally found that oversight function of the legislature has not been transparent and effective because it has been abused overtime. The study equally found that the National Assembly oversight function is hampered by a number of challenges such as corruption, party politics, self-serving behavior, absence of trust, and flexing of muscle for supremacy with the executive organ of government. The study concludes that the National Assembly has not strengthened good governance by use of its oversight function.

Keywords: National Assembly, Oversight, Good Governance, Transparency, Accountability