CHALLENGES CONFRONTING EFFECTIVE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHTS IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

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.