Race Against Time: Inside Nigeria’s High-Stakes Push For Constitutional Reform

   

By DAVID JOHN-FLUKE

AS Nigeria edges toward a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, lawmakers at both federal and state levels are working intensely to push through a new round of constitutional amendments before the year runs out. The process—often slow, contentious, and politically delicate—has now entered what key actors describe as its “decisive stage.”

At the heart of this effort is Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review. Addressing a joint strategy meeting in Abuja, Barau urged lawmakers not to lose momentum. “We are in the last lap,” he said, impressing on colleagues the need to transmit constitution amendment bills to state assemblies before year-end. “Nigerians are looking up to us.”

The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, gathered an influential mix of players: senators, members of the House of Representatives, consultants, and—critically—Speakers of State Houses of Assembly. Their presence signalled a turning point. Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, no amendment becomes law without approval from at least two-thirds of state assemblies. In essence, the states hold the keys to Nigeria’s constitutional future.

Focusing the Agenda

Barau emphasized that this Abuja gathering was not a platform for reopening debates already concluded, except where new motions were formally raised. Instead, the session was designed to harmonize positions, validate earlier agreements, and receive updates from subcommittees working on major reform areas, such as state and local government creation.

He recalled a previous meeting in Lagos where members had debated amendment bills extensively. The Abuja session, he said, was meant to consolidate those gains and ensure that state assemblies were “fully brought on board” before final recommendations are sent to plenary.

“This meeting offers the state assemblies the opportunity to be fully engaged on issues we have sieved after public hearings,” Barau noted. “Their observations and inputs are important.”

A Reform Vision Anchored on Public Demand

If Barau focused on process, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu focused on purpose. Addressing participants during the joint retreat, Kalu said Nigerians expect nothing less than sweeping reforms that bring governance closer to citizens and address long-standing structural challenges.

“This meeting marks a defining chapter in our collective journey to deliver a Constitution that truly serves the people,” he declared.

For Kalu, the goals are clear:

• creation of state police and localised internal security;

• credible elections that amplify citizens’ voices;

• fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution;

• gender inclusion and human rights protection;

• and genuine local government autonomy.

He explained that since the review process began, the committee has recorded “significant and measurable progress.” Three earlier retreats—dedicated to capacity-building and technical refinement—had laid the foundation. Six zonal public hearings followed, generating submissions from thousands of Nigerians: traditional institutions, civil society organisations, professional bodies, youth and women groups, political parties, security experts, and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.

From these engagements, Kalu said, one message came through clearly: Nigerians want a Constitution that empowers communities, strengthens institutions, and ensures accountability.

State Assemblies: The Gatekeepers of Reform

Kalu underscored an often-overlooked reality: no matter how extensively lawmakers deliberate in Abuja, no amendment becomes law unless at least 24 of the 36 state assemblies approve it.

“You are the gatekeepers of constitutional reform,” he told the Speakers. “History will judge us by the decisions we take in the coming weeks.”

The Lagos retreat in October 2025 had already produced a shortlist of priority amendment areas enjoying broad public and political support. Abuja is now the final stop before historic votes in both chambers.

“After today, we move from deliberation to decision,” Kalu said. “History is watching us.”

A Blueprint for the Future

The Deputy Speaker also disclosed that all state governors would be formally briefed on November 25, reinforcing the intergovernmental nature of the reform process. He assured the executive arm that the amendments were not an attempt to undermine authority but to strengthen federalism and deepen democratic governance.

“The Constitution we seek to refine is the soul of our Republic,” he said. “Let this retreat produce a roadmap that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and secures our federation against instability.”

What Comes Next

As Nigeria prepares for decisive votes on constitutional amendment bills, the stakes could not be higher. The outcomes will determine whether local governments gain true autonomy, whether state policing becomes a reality, and whether governance becomes more inclusive and responsive.

For lawmakers, the next few weeks represent both an opportunity and a test.

“This is our moment,” Kalu concluded. “Together, we can build a Constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and progress for every Nigerian—today and for generations to come.”