Constitution Review Enters Final Stage as Reps, Senate, State Speakers Meet in Abuja

By Emmanuel Kwada 

The House of Representatives and the Senate on Monday commenced a crucial two-day joint retreat with Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly in Abuja, signaling that Nigeria’s long-running constitution amendment process has entered its final and most decisive phase.

The high-level gathering, held at a secured venue in the Federal Capital Territory, brought together federal lawmakers, presiding officers of state legislatures, and members of the Constitution Review Committees from both chambers of the National Assembly.

Addressing the state Speakers, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, emphasized that the success or failure of the various constitution alteration bills now rests predominantly with the state assemblies.

“The ball is now firmly in your court,” Rt. Hon. Kalu told the Speakers. “We have done the heavy lifting at the federal level. What happens next depends on the patriotism, diligence, and prompt action of the state Houses of Assembly.”

Senator Barau Jibrin echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for swift concurrence by at least 24 state assemblies on each bill, as required by Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution.

Key issues believed to be on the table during the closed-door sessions include state police, local government autonomy, judicial reforms, devolution of powers, and electoral amendments, though the joint committee has not officially released the final list of bills transmitted to the states.

The retreat is designed to secure buy-in from state legislatures and fast-track the mandatory concurrence process ahead of presidential assent.

Since the 10th National Assembly inaugurated its Constitution Review Committee in 2023, over 30 alteration bills have reportedly been harmonized by both chambers, marking one of the most ambitious amendment exercises since 1999.

Participants described Monday’s opening session as “frank and productive,” with Speakers pledging cooperation to ensure the process is concluded within the lifespan of the current Assembly.

A communique is expected at the end of the retreat on Tuesday.