Speaker, State House of Assembly
Each of Nigeria's 36 state houses of assembly elects a Speaker from among its members. The Speaker is the presiding officer of the state legislature and, in extreme circumstances, can act as Governor.
Term length
4 years
Elected by the State House of Assembly at the start of each session
Seats
36
One per state — 36 total
Minimum age
— years
Category
Legislative
Constitutional basis
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Section 92(1)
Qualifications to stand
- ✓Must first be a serving member of that State House of Assembly
- ✓Elected by majority vote of all members of the House at the start of each session
Roles and responsibilities
- •Preside over all plenary sessions of the State House of Assembly
- •Maintain order and decorum during debates
- •Sign bills passed by the Assembly before transmission to the Governor for assent
- •Represent the Assembly in formal and ceremonial functions
- •Appoint assembly members to standing committees
- •Act as Governor if both the Governor and Deputy Governor are unable to serve
Powers
- ◆Power to rule on points of order and interpret Assembly Standing Orders
- ◆Power to refer bills to committees
- ◆Power to constitute and dissolve Assembly committees
- ◆Casting vote in the event of a tie
- ◆Control of the Assembly chamber
Checks and oversight
Who holds this office accountable?
- ⚖State House of Assembly — can be removed by majority vote of all members
- ⚖Electorate — still answerable to state constituency
Remuneration
Varies by state; based on state assembly member salary plus presiding-officer allowances
Election
Related offices
How to run for this office
Step-by-step guide to becoming a candidate in Nigeria.
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Information based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.