Historic Shake-Up Looms As NASS Concludes Final Retreat On Constitution Overhaul

According to Ireporter Online, the National Assembly on Monday concluded what lawmakers described as the final joint retreat on the ongoing Constitution review exercise, marking the last major step before legislators cast their votes on far-reaching amendments expected to redefine Nigeria’s political and governance structure.

Members of the Constitution Review Committee and Speakers of State Houses of Assembly confirmed that deliberations on the proposals had officially ended, signalling that the next phase would be a historic voting session on the constitution alteration bills.

Senate Deputy President and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, emphasised that the gathering was not intended for fresh debates but to affirm positions already agreed upon in previous meetings. He noted that the retreat represented the concluding stage of the assignment, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to transmitting the bills to state parliaments before the end of the year. Barau recalled that most contentious issues were resolved at last month’s Lagos retreat, leaving only ratification and final technical work.

Echoing the significance of the moment, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, described the session as the final stop before the landmark vote. He stressed that the process had now moved from consultation to action and from debate to legislative delivery. Kalu highlighted the extensive public engagement undertaken, including six zonal hearings, three technical retreats, and consultations with governors, security chiefs, traditional rulers, political parties, civil society organisations, and women’s groups.

He noted that national feedback showed overwhelming support for reforms aimed at devolving more powers to states, guaranteeing local government autonomy, strengthening state policing, enhancing election credibility, deepening fiscal federalism, and expanding gender representation.

Both chairmen underscored that the ultimate outcome now lies with the State Houses of Assembly. Kalu reminded participants that the success of the amendments will be determined in the 36 states, describing state lawmakers as “gatekeepers of constitutional reform.” Senator Barau added that the retreat was designed to align state legislators ahead of the transmission of the bills.

Kalu further disclosed that governors will be formally briefed on Wednesday to secure broad state-level backing and minimise political resistance, clarifying that the goal is to strengthen federalism rather than undermine executive authority. He urged state Speakers to embrace their responsibility at this defining moment, noting that millions of Nigerians are looking to the National Assembly for direction.

With deliberations now closed, sub-committee findings will be harmonised and presented at plenary sessions in both chambers. Lawmakers are expected to commence voting soon on what is projected to be one of the most consequential legislative undertakings of the 10th National Assembly. If the proposed amendments secure the constitutionally required two-thirds approval in the state assemblies, Nigeria could witness significant constitutional reforms before the legislative year ends.