Connected Advocacy Group has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately conclude and transmit all pending constitutional amendment bills to State Houses of Assembly and publicly disclose timelines for the constitutional amendment process.

A statement signed by prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director Connected Advocacy -YERPNaija Project South-South, confirmed this.

This is even as they expressed deep concern over the continued delay by the Senate and the House of Representatives in the passage and transmission of constitutional amendment bills to State Houses of Assembly.

Under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), constitutional amendments require approval by at least two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly. Any delay in transmitting amendment bills from the National Assembly effectively stalls the reform process and denies states the opportunity to perform their constitutional role.

These delays have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democracy and governance including: stalling critical reforms relating to electoral integrity, devolution of powers, judicial autonomy, local government reform, gender inclusion, and youth participation.

It also weakens cooperative federalism by excluding State Houses of Assembly from constitutional decision-making, undermines public confidence in the National Assembly’s commitment to democratic reform, as well as risking the lapse of important amendment bills at the end of the legislative tenure, resulting in wasted public resources and lost reform momentum.

“At a time when Nigerians are calling for stronger democratic institutions and responsive governance, procedural delays—whether administrative or political—send the wrong signal to citizens and development partners.

“There is need to uphold transparency and accountability in line with democratic principles and respect for the constitutional role of sub-national legislatures in shaping Nigeria’s federal structure.

“Constitutional reform is not optional—it is fundamental to Nigeria’s democratic stability, electoral credibility, and national development. Any delay that undermines this process ultimately weakens the social contract between the state and its citizens”

Connected Advocacy assured that it remains committed to constructive engagement with lawmakers, state institutions, civil society, and the media to ensure that constitutional reforms are timely, inclusive, and people-centered. (The Sun)

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