Abuja, Nigeria – In a sweeping effort to reform Nigeria’s governance framework, the House of Representatives has approved 39 constitutional amendment bills for a second reading. The proposed changes, which touch on judicial independence, electoral reforms, security, governance structure, and gender inclusion, now move to the Committee on Constitutional Review before facing further legislative hurdles.
If successfully passed, these amendments could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political and judicial landscape by granting more autonomy to the judiciary, redefining election processes, and addressing governance loopholes.
Key Highlights of the Constitutional Amendments
Judicial Reforms: Strengthening Independence and Efficiency
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Judicial Council’s Authority: The National Judicial Council (NJC) will have the final say in removing heads of courts, reducing political interference.
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Supreme Court Expansion: The number of justices on the Supreme Court will be increased to address backlog issues.
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Election Tribunal Reforms: The Court of Appeal will become the final court for governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly election petitions, reducing delays at the Supreme Court.
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Jurisdiction Over Electoral Offenses: The Federal High Court will handle election-related offenses, ensuring a specialized judicial process.
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Judicial Service Commission Reform: Retired justices of the Supreme Court or Court of Appeal will chair judicial service commissions to decentralize power.
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Financial Autonomy for State Judiciary: Guarantees direct funding for state judiciaries, reducing reliance on governors.
Electoral and Legislative Reforms: Overhauling the Political Process
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FCT House of Assembly: Establishes a legislative house for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), granting residents legislative representation.
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State and Local Government Police: Enables states to create and manage their own police forces, addressing security concerns.
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Independent Candidacy: Amends electoral laws to allow candidates to run for office without political party affiliation.
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Reserved Legislative Seats: Ensures political representation for persons with disabilities, women, and marginalized groups.
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Stripping Executive of Law-Making Powers: Removes the President and governors’ ability to make laws during government transitions.
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Local Government Autonomy: Ensures direct funding for local governments, preventing state governors from controlling local government finances.
Governance & Fiscal Responsibility: Strengthening Accountability
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Mandatory Treaty Presentation: The executive must present all international treaties to the National Assembly within a fixed timeframe for ratification.
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Auditor-General’s Office Reforms: Renames the Auditor-General of the Federation to the Auditor-General of the Federal Government and expands its financial oversight powers.
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Geopolitical Zones Recognition: Formally includes Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones in the constitution, solidifying their role in governance.
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Revenue Allocation Formula Review: Mandates regular reviews of the country’s revenue-sharing formula to ensure fair distribution.
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Civil Servants in Business: Public servants will now be allowed to engage in education, healthcare, and production-based businesses, beyond just farming.
Security & Law Enforcement: Decentralizing Policing
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State Police Commission: Establishes an independent body to oversee state police forces to prevent abuse of power.
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National Security Reform: Strengthens security agencies by streamlining responsibilities and accountability.
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Creation of Ecclesiastical Courts of Appeal: Introduces a religious-based appellate court system to handle faith-related legal matters.
Human Rights & Gender Inclusion: Expanding Civil Liberties
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Gender Representation in Appointments: Ensures fair representation of women in federal appointments and the Federal Character Commission.
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Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Guarantees full inclusion in public offices and institutions.
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Strengthening Child Protection Laws: Mandates state enforcement of child rights laws to combat abuse and trafficking.
Local Government & State Autonomy: Redefining Federalism
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Independent Local Government Elections: Strips state electoral commissions of control over local government elections, placing them under INEC.
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Strengthening Local Government Autonomy: Prevents governors from arbitrarily dissolving elected local government councils.
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Revenue Transparency for States: Requires public disclosure of state government revenues and expenditures.
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Creation of New States: Streamlines the process of creating new states, setting clearer criteria.
Judicial and Political Appointments: Reducing Political Influence
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Reforming Political Party Primaries: Mandates direct primaries for political party candidate selection.
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Term Limits for Political Appointees: Limits the number of times individuals can serve as minister, commissioner, or special adviser.
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Judicial Appointments Process: Requires judicial appointments to undergo strict merit-based selection with legislative oversight.
Economic & Industrial Growth: Encouraging Private Sector Participation
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Incentives for Local Industries: Mandates government support for local industries and SMEs.
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Solid Minerals Revenue Sharing: Ensures states receive a fair share of solid minerals revenue to boost economic development.
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Economic Diversification Strategy: Integrates economic diversification policies into the constitution.
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Agricultural Reforms: Expands constitutional support for modernized farming and agro-industrialization.
Education & Healthcare: Expanding Public Services
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Right to Basic Education: Strengthens constitutional guarantees for free and compulsory basic education.
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Universal Health Coverage: Enshrines universal healthcare access into the constitution.
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Tertiary Education Funding: Mandates improved funding and accountability for universities and polytechnics.
Miscellaneous & Legal System Enhancements
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State Judicial Council Reforms: Enhances the efficiency of state judicial service commissions.
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National Identity Card Mandate: Requires all citizens to register and obtain a national ID card for easier identification and security tracking.
What Happens Next?
These 39 amendments will now undergo committee review before being sent to the Senate. If passed there, they will be forwarded to state assemblies, where at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 states must approve them before they become law.
Why It Matters?
This legislative move could bring the most significant constitutional changes since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Key reforms in judiciary, governance, policing, election processes, and economic policies signal a potential shift toward greater federalism, security reforms, and democratic accountability.
Stay tuned for more updates as the amendment process unfolds.