Constitution Review Don Enter 36 State Assemblies

Di National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review don move closer to dia December 2025 deadline as members gather for Abuja to finalize di draft of proposed amendments to 1999 Constitution. Lawmakers go vote soon on critical issues wey Nigerians raise for earlier consultations, like power devolution, fiscal federalism, electoral reforms, state police, and reserved seats for women. Senate Deputy President and Constitution Review Committee Chairman, Senator Barau Jibrin, talk say dis meeting na di last stage of di assignment before voting. Im say: “Today meeting go less deliberative, purpose na to approve positions wey don reach. Bills go transmit go State Houses of Assembly this year.” Deputy Speaker and House Committee Chairman, Benjamin Kalu, also confirm say committee don enter decision-making stage after six zonal public hearings, three technical retreats, and consultations with governors, parties, security, traditional rulers, women groups, and civil society.

Di committee leaders talk say Nigerians want reforms wey go give states more powers, strengthen local government autonomy, improve state policing, make elections credible, deepen fiscal federalism, and increase gender representation. Jibrin and Kalu emphasise say now di attention go State Houses of Assembly, wey two-thirds approval dey required. Kalu urge state Speakers make dem become “ambassadors of reform” as bills go reach dem, and call federal lawmakers make dem dey available for last stage. Committee sub-reports go harmonise before voting for both chambers, and if two-thirds of state assemblies approve, di bills go reach President for assent. Na one of di defining legislative moves of di 10th National Assembly.