…says review of the constitution is not a ceremonial exercise, but a critical process that requires the active support of the state legislatures.
The iNews Times reports that the National Assembly has disclosed that it will transmit the report of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution to all 36 state Houses of Assembly before December 2025.
This critical process aims to introduce substantial reforms to enhance governance, promote inclusive development, and ensure national prosperity.
This was disclosed by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader and Zonal Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, at the conclusion of a two-day zonal public hearing held at the Water Crest Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos State.
The Senator emphasized that the review is not a ceremonial exercise, but a critical process that requires the active support of the state legislatures.
“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,” Bamidele said.
He stressed that the National Assembly alone cannot amend the Constitution, highlighting the need for a two-thirds majority of the state assemblies to approve the proposed amendments.
The Senator urged all stakeholders, especially those advocating specific constitutional changes, to begin lobbying their respective state lawmakers to ensure the success of the proposed amendments. “State assemblies are not just waiting for our report; they are part of this process.
We are advising all stakeholders seeking changes to extend their advocacy to the state level. The lawmakers at the state level are representatives of the people. They need to be aware of what their constituents want, and act in line with those wishes,” he advised.
Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, called for the devolution of more powers to subnational governments to foster rapid development.
Ogundoyin advocated for the transfer of certain key responsibilities, including solid minerals, labor, drugs and poisons, telecommunications, and stamp duty, from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
He also reiterated the call for the establishment of state police, citing its potential benefits, such as improved local security, enhanced community policing, reduced burden on federal law enforcement, and job opportunities. “There is growing support for state policing, despite some criticisms. Its potential benefits, such as better local security and greater accountability, outweigh the challenges,” Ogundoyin said.
