Nigeria operates a federal system of government, which means power is shared between the federal (national) government and the 36 state governments. To make laws that guide the country and its individual states, Nigeria practices a bicameral legislature at the federal level and a unicameral legislature at the state level. Two important bodies that play a major role in this legislative structure are the House of Representatives and the State House of Assembly.

Although both institutions are law-making bodies, they serve different purposes, operate at different levels of government, and have different powers. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for grasping how governance works in Nigeria, how laws are made, and how democracy is sustained across federal and state levels.

This article explores in depth the key differences, functions, powers, composition, election processes, and roles of both the House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.

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1. Definition and Level of Government

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the National Assembly, which is Nigeria’s highest law-making body at the federal level. It works alongside the Senate to make federal laws that apply to the entire country. Its authority is derived directly from the Nigerian Constitution, and its jurisdiction covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

State House of Assembly

The State House of Assembly, on the other hand, is the legislative arm of a state government. Every state in Nigeria has its own House of Assembly responsible for making laws that apply only within that state. Unlike the House of Representatives whose authority is national, the House of Assembly operates at the sub-national level.

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2. Composition and Membership

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives currently consists of 360 members. Each member represents a federal constituency, and constituencies are determined based on population distribution across the country. More populated states have a higher number of constituencies and therefore more members in the House of Representatives.

House of Assembly

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The number of members in each State House of Assembly varies by state. However, the constitution states that the number must be at least 24 and not more than 40. Members represent state constituencies that are carved out within local government areas. States with larger populations tend to have more constituencies, but no state can exceed the maximum number of 40 members.

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3. Legislative Powers and Jurisdiction

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives makes laws on issues listed in the Exclusive Legislative List and shares responsibility over matters in the Concurrent List. These include:

• Defense and military affairs
• Immigration and customs
• Foreign policy
• Currency and banking
• Aviation, airport regulation
• Federal taxation
• Federal education policies
• National elections
• Telecommunications
• National security

Laws made by the House of Representatives, once passed by the Senate and assented to by the President, apply to the entire nation.

House of Assembly

The State House of Assembly makes laws on matters strictly within the state’s jurisdiction. These include:

• State taxes and revenue
• Local government administration
• State education policies
• State transport systems
• State health programs
• Urban development and town planning
• Local infrastructure
• Policies unique to the state’s culture or needs

These laws apply only within the state and must not conflict with federal laws.

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4. Leadership Structure

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is led by the Speaker of the House, who is elected by members. Other leadership positions include:

• Deputy Speaker
• Majority Leader
• Minority Leader
• Whips

The Speaker presides over sessions, controls legislative debates, and represents the House in national functions.

House of Assembly

Similarly, the House of Assembly is led by a Speaker of the House of Assembly. The leadership structure mirrors that of the House of Representatives but operates solely at the state level. The Speaker works closely with the Governor, although the Assembly maintains its independence.

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5. Law-Making Procedures

While both houses follow similar legislative processes—bill introduction, debate, committee review, and passage—the main difference is scope:

Federal Bills

Bills passed by the House of Representatives must also be passed by the Senate before being sent to the President for assent.

State Bills

Bills passed by the House of Assembly are sent directly to the State Governor for assent.

If a Governor refuses to sign a bill, the Assembly can override the decision with a two-thirds majority, just like the federal legislature.

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6. Tenure and Elections

House of Representatives

Members serve a four-year term, and elections are held during national general elections organized by INEC.

House of Assembly

Likewise, members of the House of Assembly also serve a four-year term, and elections are held at the same time as state and national elections.

However, members represent smaller state constituencies, making them closer to grassroots politics.

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7. Relationship With the Executive

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives works with the President of Nigeria and federal ministries. It performs oversight functions on national agencies such as:

• EFCC
• Central Bank
• Federal Inland Revenue Service
• Police Force
• Customs

House of Assembly

The House of Assembly works with the State Governor and state ministries, overseeing bodies like:

• State education boards
• State waste management agencies
• State tax authorities
• Local government councils

The relationship is closer and more direct, which often makes state politics more intense and personalized.

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8. Budget Approval and Oversight

Federal Level

The House of Representatives participates in passing the national budget, scrutinizing federal expenditures and ensuring proper allocation across ministries and regions.

State Level

The House of Assembly approves the state budget, ensuring funds are allocated to local schools, hospitals, roads, and community projects.

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9. Oversight and Investigative Powers

Both houses are empowered to summon officials, conduct investigations, and expose corruption. However, their powers differ in scope:

• House of Representatives investigates national issues such as oil revenues, federal contracts, national agencies, and inter-state matters.
• House of Assembly focuses on state contracts, state ministries, local government activities, and community-level issues.

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10. Impeachment Powers

House of Representatives

At the federal level, impeachment proceedings against the President or Vice President start in the National Assembly. Members of the House of Representatives initiate the process.

House of Assembly

The House of Assembly can impeach:

• The State Governor
• The Deputy Governor

This gives the Assembly significant influence within the state.

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11. Salary and Allowances

While both bodies have similar compensation structures—including salaries, constituency allowances, and committee bonuses—members of the House of Representatives receive higher pay due to the national scope of their duties.

Members of State Houses of Assembly earn less but still receive substantial allowances.

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12. Summary of Key Differences

Feature	House of Representatives	House of Assembly
Level	Federal	State
Scope	National	State-wide
Members	360	24–40
Leader	Speaker of the House	Speaker of the Assembly
Oversees	Federal ministries	State ministries
Works with	President	Governor
Impeachment	President/Vice President	Governor/Deputy Governor
Elections	National	State constituencies

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Conclusion

The House of Representatives and the House of Assembly play different but complementary roles in Nigeria’s democratic system. One operates at the federal level, shaping policies that affect the entire nation, while the other focuses on local issues, creating laws tailored to the needs of individual states. Together, they help maintain balance, ensure accountability, and strengthen governance across all regions of Nigeria.

Understanding how these bodies function offers valuable insight into Nigerian politics, law-making processes, and the federal structure that guides public administration.