Nigerian House Advances Bill to Remove Immunity for Vice President and Governors

In a significant move aimed at enhancing accountability in public office, Nigeria's House of Representatives has advanced a constitutional amendment bill seeking to remove the immunity currently granted to the Vice President, Governors, and their Deputies. The bill, sponsored by Solomon Bob of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Rivers State, successfully passed its second reading during the plenary session on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

The proposed amendment targets Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution, which presently provides immunity to these officials from civil and criminal prosecution while in office. By eliminating this protection, the bill aims to curb corruption, eradicate impunity, and promote transparency among high-ranking public officials.

This development is part of a broader constitutional review process, with the House considering a total of 81 amendment bills over two days. Notably, other proposals include the separation of the offices of the Attorney-General from those of the Minister or Commissioner for Justice, granting citizenship rights to foreign spouses of Nigerian women, and the creation of new states such as Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti.

The initiative to revoke immunity for certain public officials has been a recurring topic in Nigeria's legislative discourse. In 2020, a similar bill was approved by the Senate, aiming to strip these officials of immunity if found guilty of misappropriating government funds.

As the current bill progresses through the legislative process, it reflects a concerted effort by lawmakers to strengthen mechanisms for accountability and reduce corruption within the nation's political framework.