The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to the 36 state Houses of Assembly. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. The transmission followed a directive from the National Assembly leadership. The action was taken in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
Constitutional amendment in Nigeria is a lengthy process. Section 9 requires approval by at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly before the National Assembly can pass the bill. Previous amendment attempts have failed or stalled. In 2015, a major amendment bill collapsed after some states rejected it. In 2023, another attempt was abandoned. The current bill follows a pattern of periodic reform efforts. The 2026 bill is the sixth alteration attempt.
Ogunlana urged state legislatures to consider the bill in line with their procedures and communicate their resolutions to the National Assembly. Although the Constitution does not prescribe a specific timeframe, state assemblies are expected to respond within 30 days. Ogunlana clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative timeframe, not a constitutional deadline. “The National Assembly recognises the constitutional responsibility vested in the State Houses of Assembly and respects their independence,” the statement said. The National Assembly will proceed with next steps upon receiving the resolutions of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
The bill’s contents have not been fully disclosed. Constitutional amendments in Nigeria typically address issues such as state creation, local government autonomy, electoral reform and judicial independence. The current bill may include provisions on these topics. The state assemblies’ responses will determine whether the bill advances. If two-thirds of states approve, the National Assembly can pass it. If not, it fails.
Winners: The National Assembly, which advances its reform agenda. State assemblies, which exercise their constitutional role. Advocates of specific amendments, if their proposals are included. Losers: States that reject the bill, if they are outvoted. The process itself, if delays and disputes stall it. Nigerians, if the amendment does not address their priorities.
Bottom Line: A constitution amendment bill has gone to the states. The process is slow and uncertain. Previous attempts have failed. This one may too. The 30-day timeframe is a target, not a guarantee.