The House of Representatives has released the final print of a set of Constitution Alteration Bills, including a landmark proposal seeking to establish a constitutional framework for the creation of state police across Nigeria.
The bills, alongside 11 other constitutional amendment proposals, are scheduled for consideration and voting during Thursday’s plenary session, marking a significant step in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to a statement issued by the House Spokesman, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, the proposed amendments are the outcome of months of legislative consultations and deliberations conducted by the House Committee on Constitution Review.
The process involved the examination of amendment proposals submitted by lawmakers, government agencies, professional associations, civil society groups, traditional institutions, and members of the public. It also featured zonal and national public hearings, expert consultations, and town hall meetings across the country’s six geopolitical zones to ensure broad public participation.
The amendment bills cover several key areas, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, inclusive governance, devolution of powers, human rights, fiscal reforms, institutional strengthening, traditional institutions, and the creation of states and local governments.
Among the proposals, the state police bill has emerged as one of the most debated and closely watched reforms in the current constitutional review exercise, drawing extensive public interest and stakeholder engagement nationwide.
Commenting on the development, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the release of the final print as a crucial milestone in the legislature’s efforts to reform the nation’s legal framework.
He said the development represents “a defining moment in the House’s commitment to delivering a more responsive and effective constitutional framework for Nigeria.”
The House is expected to vote on the proposed amendments during Thursday’s plenary, with the outcome likely to shape the next phase of Nigeria’s constitutional and security reforms.
