Acts of the National Assembly, read and explained Every claim cites its section
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How law works Guide 2 of 6

The Senate and the House.

Nigeria’s federal laws are made by the National Assembly, which is two chambers working together. Here is what each one is, who sits in it, and how they get there.

One Assembly, two chambers

The National Assembly is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. A bill must pass both to become an Act. Constitution, s. 47

The two chambers count Nigeria in different ways. The Senate gives every state the same voice, three senators each, whether the state is large or small. The House gives seats by population, so more populous states have more members. Needing both to agree means a law has to work for the states as equals and for the people by number.

The upper chamber

Senate

109

senators

Three from each of the 36 states, and one from the Federal Capital Territory (the black square). Constitution, s. 48

Led by the Senate President, elected by the senators from among themselves. The Senate President also chairs joint sittings of both chambers. Constitution, ss. 50 and 53

The lower chamber

House of Representatives

360

members

One for each of the 360 federal constituencies, which are drawn by population. Constitution, s. 49

Led by the Speaker, elected by the members from among themselves. Constitution, s. 50

Who represents you

Representatives are elected for particular areas. The FCT has a different structure: it elects one senator, has federal constituencies and Area Councils, and has no State House of Assembly or elected state governor.

  1. Federal

    Senator

    Elected by your senatorial district

    Every state is split into three senatorial districts, each electing one senator. The FCT elects one.

    Constitution, ss. 48 and 71

  2. Federal

    Member of the House of Representatives

    Elected by your federal constituency

    The country is split into 360 federal constituencies, drawn so each holds roughly the same number of people.

    Constitution, ss. 49 and 71

  3. State

    Member of the State House of Assembly

    Elected by your state constituency

    Your state’s own legislature, which makes the Laws for your state.

    Constitution, ss. 90–91

  4. Local

    Councillor

    Elected by your ward

    Your local government council, which runs local services and makes bye-laws. Councils must be democratically elected.

    Constitution, s. 7(1)

You also vote for people who run government rather than make laws: the President at federal level, the Governor for your state, and the chairman of your local government.

How they are elected

Every four years

Each chamber sits for four years from its first sitting, and then there is a general election.

Constitution, s. 64(1)

Run by INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission organises federal and state elections, and draws the districts and constituencies.

Constitution, ss. 71 and 153

Most votes wins

In each district or constituency, the candidate with the most votes wins the seat, under the rules in the Electoral Act, 2026.

Who can vote

Any Nigerian citizen aged 18 or over who has registered as a voter.

Constitution, s. 77(2)

Local elections are separate

State electoral commissions conduct local government elections in the states. INEC conducts elections to the FCT Area Councils.

Constitution, s. 197; Electoral Act 2026, Part VI

Who can stand

These are the basic qualifications. Constitutional disqualifications and the applicable election rules also apply.

Senate House of Representatives
Citizenship Nigerian citizen Nigerian citizen
Minimum age 35 25
Education At least School Certificate level At least School Certificate level
Party A member of, and sponsored by, a political party A member of, and sponsored by, a political party

Constitution, ss. 65–66, as altered in 2018 (the “Not Too Young To Run” amendment lowered the House age from 30 to 25)

What they do besides pass laws

Approve the budget

The President proposes the federal budget each year, and it only takes effect once both chambers pass it as an Appropriation Act.

Constitution, s. 81

Investigate

Either chamber can investigate how laws are being carried out and how public money is spent, and can summon people to give evidence.

Constitution, ss. 88–89

Confirm appointments

The Senate must confirm the people the President nominates as ministers before they can take office.

Constitution, s. 147(2)

Remove a President

Removing a President or Vice-President for gross misconduct is a process that needs both chambers.

Constitution, s. 143

This guide explains how Nigerian law works in general terms. It is not legal advice.