National Assembly: Nigeria 2026 Constitution Bill Sent to State Assemblies

• The National Assembly transmitted the 2026 Constitution alteration bill to Nigeria's 36 State Houses of Assembly on September 16, 2026.
• This "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026" requires approval from at least two-thirds of state legislatures under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
• Kamoru Ogunlana, Clerk to the National Assembly, confirmed the transmission, which initiates the state-level review phase.
• State assemblies are requested to respond within 30 days, but this is an administrative timeframe, not a constitutional deadline.
• The process is a critical step in the 10th National Assembly's ongoing constitutional review Nigeria, placing significant power with state legislatures.

For legal professionals and compliance officers across Nigeria, closely monitoring the deliberations and resolutions of their respective State Houses of Assembly concerning this bill is paramount.

The National Assembly has officially forwarded the proposed 2026 Constitution alteration bill to Nigeria's 36 State Houses of Assembly, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's ongoing constitutional review process. This significant transmission occurred on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, under the direction of the National Assembly's leadership. Kamoru Ogunlana, the Clerk to the National Assembly, was responsible for effecting this crucial step, which now places the responsibility for further deliberation squarely on the state legislatures.

This development means the "Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026" has advanced to the stage where state-level approval is constitutionally mandated before the National Assembly can proceed with its enactment. The Clerk's statement, issued on the same Wednesday, confirmed that this transmission was carried out in strict accordance with Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which outlines the specific procedure for altering the nation's foundational legal document.

The current phase of the Nigeria constitutional amendment process is governed by the stringent requirements of Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution. This particular section stipulates that any bill aimed at altering the provisions of the Constitution cannot be passed by either chamber of the National Assembly unless it first secures approval through a resolution from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly. This provision underscores the federal nature of Nigeria's governance and ensures broad consensus for fundamental legal changes.

Unlike ordinary legislation, which typically requires a simple majority in both federal legislative houses, constitutional alteration bills demand a much higher threshold of legislative concurrence. This unique procedural requirement means that the State Houses of Assembly constitutional review Nigeria now faces is not merely advisory but a mandatory step. The 10th National Assembly, in advancing its constitutional review process, must adhere precisely to these special procedures prescribed by Section 9, highlighting the critical role of state legislatures in shaping the nation's future legal landscape.

While the State Houses of Assembly are now tasked with considering the Nigeria 2026 constitution alteration bill, the National Assembly has provided an administrative timeframe for their response. State legislatures have been requested to communicate their resolutions within 30 days of receiving the bill. However, it is crucial to note that this 30-day period is an expected administrative timeframe designed to facilitate an orderly and timely conclusion to the constitutional alteration process, and it does not constitute a constitutional deadline.

The Clerk to the National Assembly explicitly clarified 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. State assemblies are expected to independently deliberate on the proposals, following their respective legislative procedures, before forwarding their resolutions to the National Assembly. This flexibility ensures that each state can conduct a thorough review, while the administrative request aims to maintain momentum in the overall Nigeria constitutional amendment timeline.

The transmission of the Nigeria 2026 constitution alteration bill to the State Houses of Assembly marks a critical juncture for the nation's legal and political future. This stage places the 36 state legislatures at the very heart of the next phase of the amendment exercise, granting them significant power in determining the fate of the proposed changes. Their independent deliberations and subsequent resolutions will directly influence whether the National Assembly 1999 Constitution Sixth Alteration Bill can proceed to final enactment.

For legal professionals and compliance officers across Nigeria, closely monitoring the deliberations and resolutions of their respective State Houses of Assembly concerning this bill is paramount. Understanding the proposed changes and the constitutional requirement for two-thirds state assembly approval is critical for advising clients on potential shifts in constitutional provisions and their practical implications across various sectors. The outcome of these state-level reviews will profoundly impact Nigeria's constitutional amendment timeline and the broader framework of its governance.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Nigeria should closely monitor the deliberations and resolutions of their respective State Houses of Assembly concerning the 2026 Constitution alteration bill. Understanding the proposed changes and the requirement for two-thirds state assembly approval is critical for advising clients on potential shifts in constitutional provisions and their practical implications across various sectors.

Source: Original reporting via news sources.