The National Assembly has transmitted the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to the Houses of Assembly of the 36 states for consideration and approval.
The Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, made this known to journalists on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, following a directive from the leadership of the National Assembly and in accordance with Section 9 of the Constitution.
Under Section 9, a constitutional amendment bill cannot be passed by either chamber of the National Assembly unless it is approved by resolutions of at least two-thirds (24) of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
The Clerk requested the state legislatures to consider the bill in line with their respective legislative procedures and communicate their resolutions to the National Assembly after completing the process.
Although the Constitution does not prescribe a specific timeframe for the state assemblies to respond, the National Assembly said it expects them to communicate their decisions within 30 days of receiving the bill.
It, however, clarified that the 30-day period is an administrative target and not a constitutional deadline.
The National Assembly said it recognised the constitutional responsibility and independence of the State Houses of Assembly in considering the proposed amendments.
It added that the transmission was intended to facilitate an orderly and coordinated process, while ensuring compliance with constitutional requirements, due process and institutional cooperation.
The National Assembly said it would take the necessary next steps after receiving the resolutions of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Some of the alterations contained in the bill include the state police reform seeking to
create a dual system of federal and independent state police forces.
There is also the gender inclusion bill seeking special seats for women in the federal and state legislature.
The local government autonomy bill is a major push for financial autonomy and power devolution to the councils.
