…security, electoral reforms, devolution of powers among key proposals
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has released the final version of the Constitution Alteration Bills ahead of a decisive vote scheduled for Thursday, signalling a major step in the ongoing effort to reshape key aspects of Nigeria’s constitutional framework. 
The proposed amendments, which are expected to come before lawmakers during plenary, are the product of months of consultations, public hearings and stakeholder engagements conducted across the country by the House Committee on Constitution Review.
According to the House, the bills emerged after extensive consideration of proposals submitted by lawmakers, government agencies, professional bodies, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and ordinary Nigerians.
The review process included zonal and national public hearings, expert sessions, consultative meetings and town hall engagements held across the six geopolitical zones to gather public input on critical constitutional issues.
The bills cover a wide range of national concerns, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, security and policing, local government administration, devolution of powers, fiscal reforms, human rights, citizenship, traditional institutions, legislative matters and the creation of states and local governments.
At the centre of public attention is the proposal seeking constitutional backing for the establishment of state police, a reform that has generated intense debate and attracted widespread support and opposition across the federation.
The proposed legislation seeks to create an additional layer of policing within Nigeria’s security structure while providing constitutional safeguards, operational guidelines and oversight mechanisms to define the relationship between federal and state policing authorities.
The House said the proposal reflects growing national calls for more localised and responsive approaches to tackling insecurity.
Speaking on the release of the final draft, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the development as a significant milestone in the constitutional review process.
According to him: “The release of the final print of these Constitution Alteration Bills reflects the extensive consultations, careful scrutiny, and bipartisan collaboration that have characterised this reform process. These proposals embody the aspirations, concerns, and recommendations expressed by Nigerians from all walks of life.
“Of particular significance is the proposal on State Police, which responds to longstanding calls for a more effective and decentralised policing framework capable of addressing emerging security challenges across the federation. As the House prepares to vote, we remain guided by our constitutional responsibility to strengthen democratic governance, deepen federalism, promote inclusion, enhance security, and build institutions capable of meeting the demands of a modern and prosperous nation.”
The House is expected to vote on the bills during plenary on Thursday, provided the constitutionally required quorum is achieved. If the required number of lawmakers is not present, consideration of the amendments will be postponed to the next legislative sitting in line with constitutional provisions and House rules.
The House leadership reiterated its commitment to an open and transparent constitutional review process, expressing confidence that the proposed reforms would strengthen democratic institutions, improve governance, promote national unity and respond to the evolving aspirations of Nigerians.
