A BILL TO AMEND THE PUBLIC ORDER ACT TO LIMIT IT TO THE FCT

A Bill amends the Public Order Act to restrict its application to the Federal Capital Territory only. It targets civil society organizations and state police commissioners by removing permit requirements for public assemblies outside the FCT. This aims to align the Act with constitutional guarantees of freedom of assembly.

What Is This Policy?

A proposed bill to amend the Public Order Act to restrict its application only to the Federal Capital Territory, removing state-level police permit requirements for public assemblies in conformity with the Constitution.

Who Does It Target?

Civil society organisations exercising freedom of assembly State police commissioners currently restricting protests The National Assembly Human rights advocates

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Align the Public Order Act with constitutional freedom of assembly guarantees by limiting police permit requirements to the FCT and allowing free exercise of assembly rights in the 36 states.

Key Features

Geographic Restriction: Proposes that the Act apply only in the FCT — removing its application in the 36 states. Constitutional Compliance: Aligns the Act with Section 40 of the Constitution guaranteeing peaceful assembly. FCT Permit Retained: Police permit requirement retained only for the FCT. State Autonomy: States may make their own consistent laws on public order.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Bill stage Coverage: FCT upon enactment; states freed from the Act Beneficiaries: Civil society; fundamental rights Funding: Not applicable

How to Access

Not applicable — pending enactment Peaceful protests remain constitutionally protected regardless Application method: Track at https://www.nass.gov.ng

Official Resources

Website: https://www.nass.gov.ng Contact: National Assembly

Legal Framework

Introduced under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as an amendment to the Public Order Act (Cap P42 LFN 2004). Draws on Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of assembly and association. Aligns with the FCT Administration Act, ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights guidelines on freedom of assembly.