Introduction

The Nigerian National Assembly has taken a significant step in the constitutional review process by transmitting the 2026 Constitution Sixth Alteration Bill to all 36 state Houses of Assembly. This formal transmission initiates a critical phase in Nigeria's legislative agenda, inviting state legislatures to deliberate on proposed amendments that could reshape governance structures.

What Happened

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, officially forwarded the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2026, to state assemblies pursuant to Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The transmission follows directives from National Assembly leadership and marks the formal start of the state-level consideration phase. The bill addresses several proposed amendments, with the Constitution Alteration (State Police) Bill, 2026, emerging as a central focus of the current cycle.

  • The bill was transmitted alongside other proposed constitutional amendments aimed at refining national governance.
  • State Houses of Assembly are required to review, debate, and vote on the bill, needing approval from at least 24 of 36 assemblies for passage.
  • The National Assembly has set a 30-day administrative timeframe to encourage an orderly and timely conclusion to the alteration exercise.

Why This Matters

Constitutional amendments in Nigeria require a dual-layer approval process, and this transmission reactivates that mechanism. The outcome will determine whether key proposals most notably the state police framework advance toward presidential assent. Beyond the specific bill, the process underscores the balance of power between the federal legislature and state governments, and how institutional cooperation shapes national policy direction.

The bill's focus on state policing, backed by Presidential Working Group Chairman Femi Gbajabiamila, highlights a shift toward decentralized security responsibility. Proponents argue bringing policing closer to communities can improve responsiveness, while safeguards are essential to protect justice and citizens' rights.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Assembly has transmitted the 2026 Constitution Sixth Alteration Bill to all 36 state Houses of Assembly for review.
  • Approval from at least 24 state assemblies is required for the bill to progress toward presidential assent.
  • A 30-day administrative window has been established to guide the state-level consideration process.
  • The proposed state police bill remains the most high-profile amendment in the current alteration cycle.
  • Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, has emphasized the need for a balanced framework that enhances security proximity without compromising judicial integrity.

Conclusion

The transmission of the Constitution Sixth Alteration Bill to state Houses of Assembly represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria's constitutional reform journey. As state legislatures begin their deliberations, the nation watches closely how the debate on governance structure, federalism, and state policing unfolds. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the proposed changes secure the necessary consensus to become law.