Speakers of State Legislatures Set for Constitution Review

Speakers of Nigeria’s State Houses of Assembly have constituted from among themselves, a Constitution Review Committee to prepare to play their role in the on-going efforts initiated by the National Assembly, to further review the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. Under Nigeria’s Constitution, two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Legislatures are required to approve alterations to the Constitution. The Senate and House of Representatives ad hoc Committees on Constitution Review have in the last few weeks, been deliberating on proposals for alteration of the Constitution. Both Chambers have indicated a commitment to passing the first set of alterations before the end of June 2021. They have identified three priority issues: Electoral Reform, Local Government Autonomy and Judicial Reform. A fourth priority issue has only just been added, which is Women participation, with discussions revolving around how best to create special seats and increase their numbers in representative positions. Civil society groups are concerned that unless concerted effort is made, the timelines available may make it difficult to meet the target to pass these alterations.