The National Assembly, on Saturday, disclosed that it would transmit the report of the ongoing constitution review exercise to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for voting before December 2025, in line with its schedule and timetable.
However, the parliament urged all stakeholders with special interests to actively engage and lobby their respective State Assemblies, emphasising that the National Assembly “cannot successfully review the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) without their approval.”
The Leader of the Senate and Zonal Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, made this known on Saturday at the conclusion of the two-day zonal public hearing on the constitution review, held in Lagos.
He stated, “Since the beginning of constitutional amendments in the Fourth Republic in 1999, issues such as devolution of powers, local government autonomy, creation of additional states, and the establishment of state police have taken center stage at the zonal public hearings.”
Also present at the hearing were the Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Olarere Oyewunmi; Chairperson, Senate Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Chairperson, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsagba, and Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire, among others.
Addressing the stakeholders, Bamidele confirmed that the report of the constitution review committee would be transmitted to all State Houses of Assembly before December 2025, in accordance with the committee’s timeline.
According to him, “We have completed the public hearing. We are now returning to Abuja to prepare our report. Part of our timetable is to issue final notifications before the end of the year and transmit our report to all state assemblies. This will complete the constitution review process.”
He emphasised that the constitution review process “is not a jamboree, contrary to some dissenting views across the federation. Rather, it is designed to introduce consequential reforms that can ensure our collective prosperity, improve governance structures, and promote sustainable development.”
Bamidele also noted that the National Assembly would be unable to complete the process successfully without the approval of at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly on all proposed amendments.
Consequently, he urged all stakeholders across the country to lobby their state assemblies and lawmakers to secure the constitutional requirements needed for the successful amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
While assuring that the National Assembly would process all proposals received and transmit them to the state assemblies, Bamidele stressed the importance of stakeholder advocacy at the state level.
He said: “There is nothing the National Assembly can do without a two-thirds approval of all proposals by the state legislatures. All stakeholders must engage their lawmakers at the state level. We must recognize the critical role of state assemblies in ensuring the passage of these proposals into law.”
“State assemblies are integral to this process. We’ve spent the last 48 hours in Lagos State listening to the people’s aspirations, concerns, and will. All six states in the geo-political zone were represented by their elected officials. We are in this process together,” he added.
Bamidele noted that the state assemblies are already anticipating the report from the National Assembly and emphasized that they are not mere bystanders, but active participants in the constitution review process.
“We advise all stakeholders seeking special considerations to extend their advocacy efforts to state assemblies. It’s not just about the lawmakers, but about the people they represent. Decisions must reflect the will of their constituents,” he said.
Also speaking at the public hearing, chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, advocated for the devolution of more powers to subnational governments to foster rapid and inclusive development.
Represented by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Abiodun Fadeyi, Ogundoyin stated that both federal and state governments should have the authority to legislate on issues such as solid minerals, labour, drugs and poisons, telecommunications, and stamp duties.
He said: “Devolution of powers is key to this ongoing constitutional amendment. Transferring key items from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List is in the national interest. For instance, the removal of electricity from the Exclusive List has already empowered many states to independently improve their power sectors.”
Ogundoyin also supported the establishment of state police, citing its benefits, including improved local security, enhanced community policing, decongestion of federal law enforcement responsibilities, greater accountability, and increased employment.
He said: “Regarding state police, stakeholders will agree that the debate has gained momentum among both supporters and critics. The potential benefits far outweigh the challenges.”
“In essence, the amendment should clearly define the powers, responsibilities, and limitations of state police. It should also provide robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure coordination between federal and state police forces for effective governance and balanced authority,” he added.
