By Atoyebi Nike
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has moved closer to its December 2025 deadline as members met in Abuja on Monday to finalise the draft of proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution
Lawmakers will vote in the coming weeks on critical issues identified during earlier public consultations, including power devolution, fiscal federalism, state policing, electoral reforms, and reserved seats for women
Senate Deputy President and Committee Chairman, Senator Barau Jibrin, said the meeting marked the final phase of the committee’s work and will focus on ratification and technical adjustments
Deputy Speaker and House Committee Chairman, Benjamin Kalu, praised members’ dedication and emphasised that the process now moves from deliberation to decision-making and from consultation to legislative action
The committee’s work included six zonal public hearings, three technical retreats, and consultations with governors, political party leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, women’s groups, and civil society organizations.
Nigerians’ feedback highlighted the need for stronger state autonomy, local government empowerment, credible elections, improved internal security, deepened fiscal federalism, and expanded gender representation
Both Jibrin and Kalu noted that the success of the review depends on the 36 State Houses of Assembly, where two-thirds approval is required under Section 9 of the Constitution
Kalu also stated that all state governors would be briefed on Wednesday to secure executive support and prevent political obstacles.
