Difference Between House of Representatives and Senate in Nigeria (Functions, Powers & Roles)

Nigeria operates a bicameral legislature made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, both forming the National Assembly. While they share the common duty of making laws, they differ in composition, powers, and responsibilities. Understanding these differences is essential for students, researchers, and citizens interested in Nigeria’s political system.

Historical Background

Nigeria adopted a bicameral legislature under the 1979 Constitution, which was later reinforced in the 1999 Constitution. This system was modeled after the United States Congress, with the Senate as the upper chamber and the House of Representatives as the lower chamber. The idea was to balance representation between the states (Senate) and the people (House).

Structure of Nigeria’s Government

Nigeria practices a federal system with a presidential form of government.

Eligibility & Qualifications

To contest for either chamber, candidates must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen.

• Be at least 30 years old for the House of Representatives.

• Be at least 35 years old for the Senate.

• Belong to a registered political party.

• Meet educational requirements as set by the Constitution and INEC.

The system is built on three branches:

• Executive: Headed by the President, responsible for implementing laws and running government policies.

• Legislature: Made up of the Senate (upper chamber) and House of Representatives (lower chamber).

• Judiciary: Headed by the Chief Justice, responsible for interpreting laws through the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Courts.

Electoral Process

Members of both chambers are elected during Nigeria’s general elections organized by INEC.

• House of Representatives: 360 members, each representing a federal constituency based on population.

• Senate: 109 members, three from each of the 36 states plus one from the FCT.
  Elections are conducted using simple majority (first-past-the-post).

The focus here is the Legislature, where both chambers play unique but complementary roles.

House of Representatives (Lower Chamber)

• Membership: 360 members, each representing a federal constituency across Nigeria.

• Eligibility: Minimum age of 30 years.

• Leadership: Headed by the Speaker of the House.

• Functions and Powers:

  • Initiates most bills, particularly on revenue and budget appropriations.

  • Conducts investigations on public interest matters.

  • Oversees government agencies and ministries.

  • Can initiate impeachment proceedings against the President or Vice President.

Exclusive Roles of the House of Representatives

• Initiates money bills and revenue-related legislation.

• Begins impeachment proceedings against the President or Vice President.

• Investigates ministries, parastatals, and public officials.

Senate (Upper Chamber)

• Membership: 109 members – three senators from each of the 36 states and one from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

• Eligibility: Minimum age of 35 years.

• Leadership: Headed by the Senate President.

• Functions and Powers:

  • Shares lawmaking powers with the House.

  • Confirms presidential appointments (ministers, ambassadors, judges, and key government officials).

  • Ratifies treaties and agreements.

  • Conducts impeachment trials for the President, Vice President, or other public officers.

Exclusive Roles of the Senate

• Confirms presidential nominees (ministers, ambassadors, judges, service chiefs).

• Ratifies international treaties.

• Conducts impeachment trials after the House initiates proceedings.

Key Differences Between the House of Representatives and Senate in Nigeria

Leadership Structure

• Senate: Led by the Senate President and Deputy Senate President, with Majority and Minority Leaders.

• House: Led by the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, supported by Majority and Minority Leaders.
  Leadership positions are highly influential in shaping national debates and policies.

Checks and Balances

Both chambers act as a watchdog on the Executive:

• Approving or rejecting budgets.

• Summoning ministers for questioning.

• Blocking or approving appointments.

Public Impact

For everyday Nigerians, the work of the Senate and House affects:

• Taxes and revenue allocation.

• Infrastructure funding.

• Anti-corruption oversight.

• Laws shaping civil rights and freedoms.

FAQs

Q: Which chamber is more powerful?
Both are equal in lawmaking, but the Senate is more prestigious due to its smaller size and confirmation powers.

Q: Who earns more?
Salaries are similar, but allowances can vary by role.

Q: Can a law pass if one chamber rejects it?
No, both must agree before the President signs.

Q: Why is the Senate called the upper chamber?
Because it represents states equally, not just population.

Conclusion

The House of Representatives and the Senate are crucial to Nigeria’s democracy. While the House represents the people through constituencies, the Senate represents the states and the FCT. Together, they make laws, check executive powers, and safeguard Nigeria’s federal structure.

Anyone studying Nigeria’s political system should note that although both chambers work hand in hand, their composition, powers, and responsibilities remain distinct as provided by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.