Nigeria’s long-anticipated constitutional reform process appears to be losing momentum at the National Assembly, raising fresh concerns about whether the 10th Assembly will deliver meaningful structural reforms before the end of its tenure in June 2027.
When the constitution review exercise commenced in 2024, the leadership of the National Assembly signalled an ambitious timeline – indicating that a first tranche of amendments would be concluded by June 2025. That deadline has come and gone. With electoral politics gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 General Elections, uncertainty now clouds when – and whether – plenary voting will take place on the numerous proposals currently before lawmakers.
Extensive Consultations, Uncertain Outcome
The Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review have undertaken broad stakeholder engagements across the country. Consultations have included political parties, the judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, media representatives, traditional rulers, and key institutions of government. Comparative insights were drawn from international constitutional experts invited to enrich deliberations.
The scope of proposed amendments is significant and far-reaching. Core issues under consideration include:
- Special Seats for Women
- State Policing
- Judicial Reforms
- Electoral Reforms
- Fiscal Federalism and Revenue Provisions
- Expanded Human Rights Protections
These issues go to the heart of Nigeria’s governance architecture and democratic stability. Yet, despite the scale of consultations and technical work undertaken, there is still no clear timetable for voting on these matters in plenary.