The National Assembly has taken a significant step in the constitutional review process by forwarding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to all 36 state Houses of Assembly for their evaluation and approval.
The transmission was officially announced by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on September 16, 2026. This action follows a series of legislative efforts aimed at reshaping critical aspects of national governance.
In accordance with Section 9 of the amended 1999 Constitution, any proposed amendment must receive the approval of at least two-thirds of the state legislatures before it can be sent for presidential assent. Although the Constitution does not specify a deadline for state assemblies to respond, the National Assembly has set a 30-day timeframe to promote a timely resolution of the amendment process.
The Clerk’s statement emphasized the importance of the role that state assemblies play in this process: “The National Assembly recognizes the constitutional responsibility vested in the State Houses of Assembly and respects their independence in the consideration of the Bill.” It also detailed the protocols that will follow once the state assemblies submit their resolutions.
Among the proposals currently under review is the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, which aims to establish a decentralized policing framework. This initiative has gained momentum with presidential support and the formation of a working group focused on implementing a dual policing structure in Nigeria.
Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, highlighted the necessity of reforming policing to better align it with community needs. He emphasized the importance of not replicating existing shortcomings in the redesigned system.
