Abstract:
Legislative oversight is a critical component in the governance of any
nation, ensuring that executive actions are conducted within the
boundaries of law and policy. In Nigeria, the effectiveness of legislative
oversight is often hampered by a variety of challenges, which
subsequently affects infrastructural development. The paper examines the
challenges confronting effective legislative oversights in the Federal
Capital Territory, Abuja. Structural functionalism theory was adopted as
its appropriate framework of analysis. The study utilized survey method,
incorporating both primary and secondary sources of data. The study
found that challenges militating against effective legislative oversight in
the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, include limited resources, lack of
political will, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and inadequate training of
legislators. Additionally, there is often a lack of transparency and
accountability, along with political interference, which hampers effective
oversight. To address these challenges, it is essential to promote a culture
of transparency, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and ensure political
neutrality in oversight functions. Strengthening institutional frameworks
and fostering collaboration between government bodies can also enhance
legislative effectiveness and accountability.
