By our Reporter
The House of Representatives has released the final print of the Constitution Alteration Bills slated for consideration and voting during plenary on Thursday, June 11, marking a significant step in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The statement announcing the release of the bills was signed by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi.
The bills are the product of months of legislative work by the House Committee on Constitution Review, following the receipt and assessment of numerous amendment proposals from lawmakers, government institutions, professional associations, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and citizens across the country.
According to the House, the review process was driven by extensive stakeholder engagement, including zonal and national public hearings, consultative meetings, expert sessions, and town hall discussions held across the six geopolitical zones to ensure broad public participation.
The proposed amendments cover key areas of national interest, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, inclusive governance and citizenship, devolution of powers, human rights, fiscal reforms, legislative matters, traditional institutions, strengthening of institutions, and the creation of states and local governments.
A major highlight of the amendment package is the proposed Constitution Alteration Bill seeking to establish a constitutional framework for State Police. The proposal has emerged as one of the most debated reform initiatives during the current constitution review exercise, attracting widespread public interest and engagement nationwide.
The bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture by creating an additional policing structure at the state level while providing constitutional safeguards, operational guidelines, oversight mechanisms, and a clear division of responsibilities between federal and state policing authorities.
Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, described the release of the final print as a defining moment in the House’s efforts to deliver a more responsive constitutional framework for the country.
“The release of the final print of these Constitution Alteration Bills reflects the extensive consultations, careful scrutiny, and bipartisan collaboration that have characterised this reform process. These proposals embody the aspirations, concerns, and recommendations expressed by Nigerians from all walks of life,” Kalu said.
He noted that the State Police proposal responds to longstanding calls for a more effective and decentralised policing system capable of addressing emerging security challenges across the federation.
“As the House prepares to vote, we remain guided by our constitutional responsibility to strengthen democratic governance, deepen federalism, promote inclusion, enhance security, and build institutions capable of meeting the demands of a modern and prosperous nation,” he added.
The House is expected to vote on the bills during Thursday’s plenary session, subject to the attainment of the constitutionally required quorum. Should the quorum not be met, consideration and voting will be deferred to the next legislative day in accordance with constitutional provisions and the Standing Orders of the House.
The House of Representatives reiterated its commitment to an open, inclusive, and transparent constitution review process aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, promoting national unity, improving governance outcomes, deepening citizen participation, and addressing the evolving needs and aspirations of Nigerians.
