Member of the State House of Assembly
State Assembly members form the legislative branch at the state level. Their main powers include passing state budgets, making local laws, and providing oversight of the state executive.
Term length
4 years
Seats
993
Minimum 24 per state; actual count varies (Lagos has 40, some states have up to 36)
Minimum age
25 years
Category
Legislative
Constitutional basis
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 90–120
Qualifications to stand
- ✓Nigerian citizen
- ✓At least 25 years of age
- ✓Member of a registered political party
- ✓Minimum School Certificate or equivalent
- ✓Resident in the constituency for at least one year, or owned property there
- ✓Not under sentence of death or imprisonment exceeding 12 months
Roles and responsibilities
- •Make laws on matters within the state's legislative competence
- •Pass the state annual budget
- •Oversee state MDAs through standing committees
- •Represent constituency interests at the state level
- •Can impeach the Governor or Deputy Governor
Powers
- ◆Legislative authority on items in the Residual and Concurrent Lists at the state level
- ◆Power to impeach the Governor (by 2/3 majority)
- ◆Power to approve or reject gubernatorial nominees (Commissioners)
Checks and oversight
Who holds this office accountable?
- ⚖Electorate — elections every four years
- ⚖Speaker of the State House of Assembly
- ⚖State Electoral Tribunal — election petitions
Remuneration
Varies by state; typically ₦800,000–₦1,500,000 per annum (basic)
Allowances and total packages vary significantly between states
Election
Related offices
How to run for this office
Step-by-step guide to becoming a candidate in Nigeria.
Browse current officials
See who holds elected offices in Nigeria right now.
Information based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.