The House of Representatives has begun voting on a wide range of proposed amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution
The House of Representatives has released the final print of the Constitution Alteration Bills ahead of a crucial plenary session scheduled on Thursday, where lawmakers voted on a wide range of proposed amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The marks a significant stage in the ongoing constitutional review process, which has spanned several months and involved extensive consultations with stakeholders across the country.
According to a statement issued by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, the amendment bills are the product of rigorous legislative work by the House Committee on Constitution Review after receiving proposals from lawmakers, government institutions, civil society organisations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, and members of the public.
The statement noted that the review process featured zonal and national public hearings, consultative meetings, expert engagements and town hall sessions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ensure broad citizen participation.
The proposed amendments cover key areas of national governance, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, inclusive governance and citizenship, devolution of powers, human rights, fiscal reforms, strengthening of institutions, traditional institutions, as well as the creation of states and local governments.
Among the most anticipated proposals is the Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish a constitutional framework for State Police, a reform that has generated widespread public debate and stakeholder engagement across the federation.
According to the House, the bill is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by creating an additional policing structure while providing constitutional safeguards, operational guidelines, oversight mechanisms and a clear division of responsibilities between federal and state policing authorities.
Commenting on the development, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, said the release of the final draft underscores the extensive consultations and bipartisan collaboration that shaped the amendment process.
“The release of the final print of these Constitution Alteration Bills reflects the extensive consultations, careful scrutiny, and bipartisan collaboration that have characterised this reform process. These proposals embody the aspirations, concerns, and recommendations expressed by Nigerians from all walks of life,” Kalu said.
He described the State Police proposal as one of the most significant reforms before the House.
“Of particular significance is the proposal on State Police, which responds to longstanding calls for a more effective and decentralised policing framework capable of addressing emerging security challenges across the federation. As the House prepares to vote, we remain guided by our constitutional responsibility to strengthen democratic governance, deepen federalism, promote inclusion, enhance security, and build institutions capable of meeting the demands of a modern and prosperous nation,” he added.
The House said voting on the bills is expected to take place during Thursday’s plenary session, subject to the constitutionally required quorum. If the quorum is not attained, consideration of the bills will be deferred to the next legislative day in line with the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House.
