2026 Constitution Amendment: N’Assembly Sends Bill To 36 States For Consideration

The National Assembly has transmitted the 2026 Constitution Amendment Bill to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for consideration and approval.

The Bill, titled the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, was sent to the state legislatures following a directive from the leadership of the National Assembly.

According to reports, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, explaining that the transmission was in accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.

Ogunlana said the provision requires at least two-thirds of the state Houses of Assembly to approve a Bill seeking to alter the Constitution before the National Assembly can proceed with the amendment process.

He urged the state legislatures to consider the Bill in line with their respective legislative procedures and forward their resolutions to the National Assembly after completing their deliberations.

The Clerk explained that although the Constitution does not prescribe a specific deadline for state assemblies to communicate their decisions on constitutional amendment Bills, they are expected to respond within 30 days of receiving the document.

He, however, clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative expectation and does not constitute a constitutional deadline.

“The National Assembly recognises the constitutional responsibility vested in the State Houses of Assembly and respects their independence in the consideration of the Bill,” the statement said.

The National Assembly said the transmission was aimed at enabling the state legislatures to exercise their constitutional responsibilities in an orderly manner.

It added that the federal legislature would determine its next steps after receiving the resolutions of the 36 state Houses of Assembly, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

The lawmakers also reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the amendment process complies with constitutional requirements, due process, inter-institutional cooperation and respect for the legislative responsibilities of all tiers of government.