A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has asked the national assembly to conclude the ongoing constitution amendment process before the end of 2025.
On Thursday, the house of representatives suspended the consideration of the 44 constitutional amendment bills.
The lower legislative chamber had scheduled 14 October for voting on the constitution alteration bills, but the process has since been delayed, and debate on the proposals is yet to begin.
The constitution alteration bills include electoral and judicial reforms, inclusive governance, security and state policing, devolution of powers, strengthening of institutions, traditional institutions, fiscal reforms, citizenship and indigenisation, fundamental human rights, and local government autonomy.
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Sections 9(2) and (3) of the 1999 constitution require two-thirds of all the state assemblies — 24 states — to approve the amendment bills.
Calls to amend the constitution to restructure the country and devolve more powers to state and local governments have grown in recent years.
The last amendment to the 1999 constitution (fifth alteration) took place in 2023, with former President Muhammadu Buhari signing 16 of the bills into law on March 17.
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‘DELAY IS DANGEROUS’
In a statement issued on Friday, the CSOs warned that further delay could undermine national stability and jeopardise preparations for the 2027 general election.
The groups said Nigeria “cannot afford further uncertainty” regarding reforms essential to national security, democratic trust, and effective governance.
“These amendments speak directly to Nigerians’ daily realities—safer communities, empowered local governments, credible elections, a stronger judiciary, and a more accountable state,” the statement reads.
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“Citizens across all geopolitical zones have shown unwavering commitment through submissions, hearings, and consultations. They have delivered on their part. Lawmakers must now deliver on theirs.
“Scrutiny is necessary, but delays are dangerous. Insecurity is worsening, local governments are failing, voter confidence is dropping, and democratic legitimacy is eroding. Electoral reforms are especially urgent.”
The CSOs said with INEC’s timetable already set and party primaries concluding by July 2026, “any further hesitation risks locking the country into yet another flawed election cycle”.
“These reforms are not just important—they are urgent, overdue, and vital to national stability,” the groups said.
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“The national assembly must show leadership and conclude the 2025 Constitution Review before the end of this year. Every delay weakens public trust; decisive action can strengthen democracy and steady the nation ahead of 2027.”
The CSOs expressed commitment to mobilising citizens, engaging lawmakers, and holding institutions accountable until meaningful reform is achieved.
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The CSOs include WOMANIFESTO, Women in Leadership Advancement Network Global (WILAN), TOS Foundation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Growth for Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (GSAI), and The Women International, I-teach Africa.
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