National Assembly has announced plans to transmit the report on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution to all the state Houses of Assembly before December 2025, in line with its scheduled timeline.
Gatekeepers News reports that Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader and Zonal Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, made the announcement during the closing session of a two-day zonal public hearing held at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Bamidele noted that the success of the constitutional amendment process depends on active collaboration with the state legislatures.
He said, “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 conclude the process of the constitution review.”
The senator noted that the process is not a symbolic gesture, as some critics suggest, but a vital effort to implement meaningful reforms that will promote national prosperity, enhance governance, and ensure sustainable development.
Bamidele cautioned that without the endorsement of two-thirds of state assemblies, the National Assembly cannot effect any constitutional changes.
He therefore urged stakeholders with specific demands to intensify advocacy efforts at the state level to secure the required approvals.
The senator 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 with their lawmakers at the state level. We must appreciate the role of the state assemblies in ensuring these proposals become law.”
“State assemblies are part of the process. We have spent the past 48 hours in Lagos State listening to people’s aspirations, concerns, and expectations. All six states in the geo-political zone were represented by their elected officials. We are in this process together.”
“The state assemblies are already anticipating the constitution review report from the National Assembly. They are not just waiting; they are part of the review process. I do not foresee any problem from the state assemblies.”
“Therefore, we advise all stakeholders with special interests to extend their advocacy to the state assemblies. It is not just about the elected representatives, but about ensuring that decisions reflect the will of their constituents.”
Also addressing the gathering, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, represented by Deputy Speaker Abiodun Fadeyi, called for greater devolution of powers to subnational governments to accelerate development.
Ogundoyin said issues like solid minerals, labour, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and stamp duty should be moved from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List to allow both federal and state governments to legislate on them.
The lawmaker cited the removal of electricity from the Exclusive List as a positive example, which has empowered several states to launch independent power projects.
He agreed to the creation of state police, highlighting benefits such as improved local security, more responsive policing, reduced pressure on federal forces, enhanced accountability, and increased employment.
The lawmaker added, “On state police, stakeholders will agree that the debate has gained momentum from both supporters and critics. However, the potential benefits far outweigh the challenges.”
“The amendment must clearly define the powers, responsibilities, and limits of state police, establish oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse, and create a framework for federal and state police to work collaboratively for effective coordination and balance of power.”
