A civil society organization, Connected Advocacy, has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to urgently conclude work on all pending constitutional amendment bills, disclose clear timelines for the process, and uphold transparency and accountability.
According to the Executive Director of the organization, Prince Israel Orekha, delays by Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives in transmitting constitutional amendment bills to State Houses of Assembly are raising concerns about the pace and credibility of democratic reforms.
Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), constitutional amendments must be approved by at least two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly. Observers note that delays at the National Assembly level effectively halt the process and prevent states from carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Connected Advocacy, which monitors governance reforms, said the prolonged delay is stalling critical amendments related to electoral integrity, devolution of powers, judicial autonomy, local government reform, gender inclusion, and youth participation.
Orekha also warned that the delays weaken cooperative federalism by excluding sub-national legislatures from constitutional decision-making, while undermining public confidence in the National Assembly’s commitment to democratic reform.
There are additional concerns that unresolved amendment bills could lapse at the end of the current legislative tenure, leading to wasted public resources and the loss of reform momentum built through consultations and legislative processes.
The development comes amid increasing public calls for stronger democratic institutions and more responsive governance. Analysts say continued procedural delays—whether administrative or political—send negative signals to citizens and development partners tracking Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Constitutional reform remains central to Nigeria’s democratic stability and long-term development, with observers warning that prolonged delays risk weakening public trust in governance institutions.
