The National Assembly has transmitted the 2026 Constitution alteration bill to the 36 State Houses of Assembly for consideration, asking them to communicate their resolutions within 30 days.
However, the National Assembly, clarified that the 30-day period is only an administrative timeframe and does not constitute a constitutional deadline.
The transmission was effected on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following a directive from the leadership of the National Assembly.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the National Assembly said the transmission marked the commencement of the next stage of the constitutional alteration process.
Ogunlana said the bill was transmitted pursuant to Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which prescribes the procedure for altering the Constitution.
According to him, constitutional alteration bills require the approval of not less than two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states before the National Assembly can complete the legislative process.
“The National Assembly has commenced the next stage of the constitutional alteration process with the transmission of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026 to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 States of the Federation for their consideration and approval,” he stated.
The development places the 36 State Houses of Assembly at the centre of the next phase of the constitutional review exercise, with each legislature expected to consider the proposals in accordance with its own legislative procedures.
The state assemblies are thereafter expected to forward their resolutions to the National Assembly upon conclusion of their deliberations.
The Clerk, however, stressed that the Constitution does not prescribe a specific period within which state legislatures must communicate their decisions on constitutional alteration bills.
He said the 30-day timeframe was introduced to ensure an orderly and coordinated process.
“It is noted that the Constitution does not prescribe a specific period within which the State Houses of Assembly are required to communicate their resolutions on a constitutional alteration Bill.
“Nevertheless, in the interest of an orderly, coordinated and timely conclusion of the constitutional alteration process, the State Houses of Assembly are expected to consider the Bill and communicate their respective resolutions to the National Assembly within 30 days of receipt.
“For clarity, the 30-day period is an expected administrative timeframe and does not constitute a constitutional deadline,” Ogunlana said.
Unlike ordinary legislation, constitutional alteration bills are subject to the special procedure prescribed by Section 9 of the Constitution, requiring concurrence between the National Assembly and at least two-thirds of the state legislatures.
The National Assembly also emphasised that the transmission of the bill was not intended to influence or dictate the decisions of the state assemblies.
“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 Clerk said.
He added that the National Assembly remained committed to conducting the amendment process in accordance with the Constitution, due process and the respective legislative responsibilities of the federal and state legislatures.
Ogunlana said the next phase of the process would be determined by the resolutions eventually received from the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
“Upon receipt of the resolutions of the State Houses of Assembly, the National Assembly will proceed with the necessary steps in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution,” he stated.
Source : The Watch Newspaper
(vitalnewsngr.com)
