Nigeria’s constitutional amendment process has entered a crucial stage following the transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states for consideration and approval.
The National Assembly confirmed that the bill was formally forwarded to state legislatures on September 16, 2026, in line with constitutional provisions governing amendments to the nation’s supreme law.
The transmission was carried out by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, acting on the directive of the leadership of both legislative chambers. The move represents one of the final and most important phases required before any proposed constitutional changes can become law.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, constitutional amendment bills must receive the support of not less than two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before they can proceed to the next stage of the legislative process. This means that at least 24 of the 36 state legislatures must approve the proposal.
Ogunlana explained that state assemblies have been requested to examine the bill and communicate their resolutions to the National Assembly within 30 days of receiving the document. He, however, clarified that the timeline is administrative in nature and does not constitute a constitutional deadline.
The constitutional review process is widely regarded as an important mechanism for addressing emerging governance issues and updating legal provisions to reflect contemporary realities. Over the years, various amendments have been introduced to strengthen democratic institutions, improve governance structures and address constitutional gaps.
The National Assembly assured state lawmakers that their constitutional powers and independence would be respected throughout the process. It also pledged to ensure that all procedures are conducted in accordance with constitutional requirements and established legislative practices.
Observers note that the response of state assemblies will determine whether the proposed alterations move closer to becoming part of the Constitution. As deliberations begin across the country, attention is expected to focus on the specific provisions contained in the amendment bill and their implications for governance.
The latest development underscores the important role played by state legislatures in constitutional reform and highlights the collaborative nature of the amendment process under Nigeria’s federal system.
