Constitutional Reform: N’Assembly Moves 2026 Amendment Bill To 36 States

The National Assembly has transmitted the 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval, marking another stage in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the Bill, officially titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was forwarded to the state legislatures following a directive from the leadership of the National Assembly.

The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, said the transmission was carried out in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which requires at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly to approve a constitutional amendment Bill before the National Assembly can proceed with its passage.

Ogunlana urged the state legislatures to consider the proposed amendments in accordance with their respective legislative procedures and communicate their resolutions to the National Assembly after completing their deliberations.

He explained that while the Constitution does not prescribe a specific period within which state assemblies must communicate their decisions on constitutional amendment Bills, an administrative expectation of 30 days applies from the date of receipt.

The Clerk, however, clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative timeframe rather than a constitutional deadline.

“The National Assembly recognises the constitutional responsibility vested in the State Houses of Assembly and respects their independence in the consideration of the Bill,” the statement said.

The National Assembly said the transmission was intended to enable the 36 state legislatures to carry out their constitutional responsibilities in an orderly manner.

It added that the federal legislature would determine its next steps after receiving the resolutions of the state Houses of Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

The lawmakers also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the amendment process is conducted within the framework of constitutional provisions and due process, while promoting cooperation among the various institutions and respecting the legislative responsibilities of each tier of government.