Notwithstanding the doctrine of democracy that creates lawmaking a dual responsibility of the executive and legislature, this study examined veto powers and public participation in lawmaking in the Nigeria’s Eighth National Assembly. The descriptive research method was used, secondary research materials were obtained from the Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, journals, unpublished research works, additional materials were acquired from internet, and analysed by comparison the veto powers provisions of USA with Nigeria’s.  It was noted that the veto power is an aged-long legal convention but sustains in contemporary constitutions, and deploy by the executive to set agenda, regulate the legislature on the adopted bill submitted for assent, thus section 58 (3) (4) (5) of the CFRN, 1999 is Nigeria’s veto power, provides override powers for veto nullification; importance of veto powers comprises: safeguard Constitution; maintains power doctrines; partnership with other arms of government, among others; types of veto embrace absolute; line-item; pocket; qualified; regular; and suspensory, however Nigerian federal legislature implements regular veto – the executive jettison a whole adopted bill; section 14 (2) of CFRN, 1999 concerns public participation in political process that compel citizens’ views, legitimises government and minimises veto powers. In conclusion, veto is the yardstick that executive deploy to limit the legislature. The study recommends that lawmakers and staff be exposed to training on vetoes; update the standing order of the legislature to encompass veto themes and related matters; enact public hearing legislation to command citizens’ participation in lawmaking; collaborate with NOA to stimulate citizens’ interest in lawmaking process.

Keywords: Veto, Public Participation, Lawmaking, Bill Process, Nigeria’s Eighth National Assembly.