N’assembly begins next stage of constitutional amendment, sends bill to 36 state assemblies

 The National Assembly has commenced the next stage of the constitutional amendment process by transmitting 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.

 

In a statement, Kamoru Ogunlana, clerk of the National Assembly, said the bill was transmitted on Wednesday, in accordance with section 9 of the constitution.

 

Ogunlana said the transmission followed a directive from the leadership of the national assembly.

 

Section 9 of the constitution provides that a bill seeking to alter the constitution cannot be passed by either chamber of the national assembly unless it is approved by resolutions of not less than two-thirds of the 36 state houses of assembly.

 

 

The clerk asked the state assemblies to consider the bill in accordance with their respective legislative procedures and communicate their resolutions to the national assembly after completing their consideration.

 

The national assembly clerk stated that the constitution does not prescribe a specific period within which the state assemblies must communicate their resolutions on a constitutional alteration bill.

 

He, however, said the state legislatures are expected to consider the bill and communicate their decisions within 30 days of receiving it.

 

 

“For clarity, the 30-day period is an expected administrative timeframe and does not constitute a constitutional deadline,” the statement reads.

 

Ogunlana said the national assembly recognises the constitutional responsibility and independence of the state assemblies in considering the bill.

 

“The transmission is intended to facilitate the orderly discharge of their constitutional role in the process,” he said.

 

He added that the national assembly remains committed to conducting the constitutional alteration process in strict compliance with the constitution.

 

The clerk also said the process would be guided by the principles of due process, institutional cooperation and respect for the legislative responsibilities of all tiers of government.

 

According to him, the legislature would take the necessary next steps after receiving the resolutions of the state houses of assembly.

 

“Upon receipt of the resolutions of the state houses of assembly, the national assembly will proceed with the necessary steps in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he added.