Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s ongoing constitution amendment process has entered its final stretch as the National Assembly meets state assembly speakers in Abuja to agree on reforms expected to reshape governance nationwide.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee on Monday, describes the meeting as a “decisive and historic moment” for the country. “After today, we move from deliberation to decision. History is watching us,” he says.
Kalu notes that over 200 million Nigerians expect reforms that will strengthen local governance, devolve more power and improve accountability. The process has been shaped by extensive consultations, including six zonal hearings and three national retreats.
Broad consensus, he says, emerged on key areas such as local government autonomy, electoral reform, fiscal federalism, and gender inclusion.
However, he stresses that constitutional amendments require approval from 24 of the 36 state assemblies before they can take effect. “No matter how brilliant our proposals are, they mean nothing without state validation. That is the constitutional gateway,” he tells the gathering.
Deputy Senate President , Barau Jibrin says the retreat ensures state assemblies are fully aligned before bills are transmitted. He describes them as “critical partners” without whom the process cannot advance.
Lawmakers say the coming vote marks one of the most consequential constitutional decisions since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Hussaini Ibrahim