LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS
The primary function of the legislature is to make laws. As discussed earlier, Section 4 of the Constitution provides for the main function of the legislature and that is to make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the federation or any part thereof. It is their main function to, while applying accepted legislative principles and procedures and after careful and in-depth debate and discussion pass Bills into law. These bills then become laws known as “Acts”.

REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTIONS
The legislature also has a representative function. They are the elected representatives of the people. It behaves upon them to constantly feel the pulse of the people find out their problems, worries and yearnings, and give effect to them through debates, motions, resolutions and the enactment of requisite laws. The various State Houses of Assembly together with the National Assembly are the principal instruments of government that represent the multiplicity of geographic, functional, economic, religious, ethnic, cultural, professional and other interests of the pluralistic commonwealth called Nigeria.

The legislative houses are responsible for sensing, determining, balancing, harmonizing and satisfying a vast number and variety of often competing and conflicting demands. Their role is therefore to project the ‘common welfare’ of the people and must necessarily develop the image, culture and customs and also put in place procedures and practices well designed to harmonize the legitimate aspirations of every individual, group and interest in the country. The legislative houses must play their sacred roles in a manner that is open, transparent, fair, just, civilized and people friendly

OVERSIGHT FUNCTIONS
Thirdly, it is the duty of the legislature to act as a ‘watch-dog’ or a check and balance over the Executive (and the Judicial) arms of government. They ought to constantly review, evaluate, monitor, supervise, query and where necessary censor executive activities. It is extremely important to ensure that their activities do not constitute interference or meddling in the functions and powers of the Executive. The legislature must ensure that laws enacted and government policy and programmes are being applied and carried out as intended by the legislature. They must also ensure that state resources are being deployed by the executive efficiently and in the most effective manner possible. This is the oversight function of the legislature.