National Assembly Moves To Seal Constitution Review Draft

The National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review met in Abuja on Monday to complete the final draft of amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

The session brought the committee closer to its December 2025 deadline after months of public engagement and technical work.

The gathering focused on finalising proposals that lawmakers will vote on in the coming weeks. These include devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, electoral reforms, state police, and reserved seats for women. Committee leaders said the window for new submissions has closed, as the process has moved fully into its concluding stage.

Senator Barau Jibrin, who chairs the Senate committee, said the meeting marked the completion of the committee’s assignment before the voting phase begins. He recalled that most disputes were already settled during last month’s retreat in Lagos, leaving members to approve earlier positions and tidy up the draft.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who heads the House committee, said the exercise has now shifted from consultation to decision-making. He praised the commitment shown throughout the process, which included zonal hearings, technical retreats and meetings with governors, security agencies, party leaders, traditional rulers, women groups and civil society organisations.

From these engagements, Nigerians repeatedly called for stronger local government autonomy, improved internal security structures, credible elections, a more balanced federal system and broader gender representation. The committee said these demands formed the backbone of the proposed amendments now ready for legislative action.

Attention will now move to the 36 State Houses of Assembly, whose approval is required before any amendment can advance. Committee leaders said state lawmakers will receive full briefings to ensure clarity ahead of voting, which will determine the future of the entire review.

Governors are also scheduled to meet with the committee this week as part of efforts to secure cooperation across all levels of government. Lawmakers described this stage as one of the most defining moments of the 10th National Assembly, with the harmonised draft expected to go before both chambers once the retreat’s resolutions are fully compiled.