Navigating Change: Priorities for Constitutional Reform in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly

What efforts have the Nigerian Assembly taken on constitutional reform? Read our analysis of historical constitutional reforms, as well as action the 10th Assembly is expected to take.

Nigerian Assembly Constitutional Reform Efforts

In Nigeria, constitutional reforms are crucial legislative affairs. Despite this, reforms often receive little interest from the general public. The reasons for this are extensive. Lack of information and public interest in following these events are among them. On June 13, 2023, after weeks of political horse-trading, Nigeria inaugurated its 10th National Assembly. It follows the 9th National Assembly, which recorded about twenty-one constitutional alterations. The 10th Assembly is expected to leverage the gains and prospects of its immediate predecessor.

Historical Context: Achievements of the 9th Assembly

The 9th Assembly accomplished the most constitutional reforms in Nigeria’s democratic history. These include the delisting of the Railway from the exclusive list and added to the concurrent list. Laws on the concurrent list are those for which both the federal and state governments have intervening rights and responsibilities. The Assembly also passed a reform allowing states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid.

Some constitutional alterations in the 9th Assembly border on power devolution. This includes a bill to delete “prisons” from the exclusive legislative list, redesignating them as “correctional services” in the concurrent legislative list. A bill allowing financial independence of state assemblies and judiciaries was also passed. This law enables certain state-level arms of government to exercise financial autonomy and administrative independence.

The 10th National Assembly in Focus

The 10th Assembly looks promising in the realm of further reform. Nigeria’s second chamber, the House of Representatives, has formed a Committee on Constitutional Reforms. Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu inaugurated the Committee on February 26, 2024.

Following the passage of the 1999 Constitution, various groups were agitated by certain alterations and amendments. Many introduced proposals to address these concerns. The Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, has hinted about the House’s commitment to evaluate these proposals and concerns.

The Red Chambers, also known as the Senate, have also created a Constitutional Amendment Committee, announced on February 14, 2024.

Key Areas of Reform for the 10th Assembly

About forty alteration bills are currently seeking amendment in the National Assembly. These bills address issues such as gender, inequality, traditional institutions, local government autonomy, fiscal federation, and so on. The House Committee on Constitutional Reforms aims to round up all constitution alteration bills by December of 2025.

Gender Representation and Advocacy

The issue of gender representation for women in politics and governance is extensive. Lawmakers have rejected a bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution to provide for affirmative action for women in political party administration. The 9th Assembly saw significant pressure to pass bills favoring women’s political representation. The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, encouraged proponents of gender-related bills to begin advocacy early.

Electoral and Judicial Reforms

Electoral and judicial reforms have often featured in Nigeria’s constitutional alterations. Notable alterations include the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act, the Electoral Act, and proposals to change the Independent National Electoral Commission. These and others have all had field days at the National Assembly. An alteration was recently proposed in the House of Representatives to confer jurisdiction on the Federal High Court to try electoral offenses.

Artificial Intelligence in Constitutional Reforms

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has hinted that AI is a major factor for constitutional review. AI is changing patterns of communication, service delivery, research, and information access in Nigeria. Distinguished Senator Akpabio may be referring to efforts to make the Constitution more aligned with current technological advancements, as well as the general needs of the Nigerian state.

Staying Informed: Tracking Legislative Bills

Tracking legislative bills in the National Assembly is cumbersome. Plural Policy, a digital hub of legislative intelligence, is the tool of choice for those looking to track bills in Nigeria. Interested in learning more? Book a demo today!

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