The House of Representatives has intensified its push for constitutional amendments, passing not less than 39 bills in two legislative sittings this week.
Among the major proposals are the creation of the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and a 60-year age limit for presidential and governorship candidates. Other bills seek to establish state and local government police, introduce special legislative seats for persons with disabilities, and implement electoral reforms.
State and Local Government Police on the Table
Among the key proposals considered was the establishment of state and local government police, a bill sponsored by Rep. Francis Waive (APC-Delta) and Rep. Akintunde Rotimi (APC-Ekiti).
The bill seeks to decentralise Nigeria’s policing structure and strengthen security at the grassroots level.
State policing has garnered widespread support, with all 36 states submitting reports endorsing its creation.
Last December, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State stated that “virtually most of the states agree with the establishment of state police in Nigeria,” acknowledging the security challenges faced across the country.
President Bola Tinubu has also expressed unwavering commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force and enhancing national security.
Speaking at a National Dialogue on State Policing in April 2024, he described the idea as “a potential milestone in the evolution of the nation’s law enforcement framework.”
Special Legislative Seats for Marginalised Groups
Another bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Marcus Onobun, proposes special legislative seats for physically challenged persons across federal, state, and local legislative bodies.
Similarly, Rep. Akintunde Rotimi sponsored a bill seeking to create six special legislative seats in the House of Representatives for special interest groups to ensure broader representation in the National Assembly.
Electoral and Judicial Reforms Also Considered
The House also advanced bills aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
A proposal sponsored by Rep. Muktar Shagaya (APC-Kwara) seeks to amend the Constitution to grant the Federal High Court jurisdiction over electoral offences.
Another bill, sponsored by Rep. Adebayo Balogun (APC-Lagos), aims to prevent lawmakers from defecting to other political parties without formally resigning from their original parties.
On judicial reforms, a bill by Rep. Ahmed Wase (APC-Plateau) seeks to allow public servants to engage in healthcare education, production, and services beyond farming.
Another bill proposes a transition framework for substantive heads of courts in Nigeria while ensuring stronger procedures for the removal of judicial officers to safeguard judicial independence.
Following the successful passage of these bills, the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary, referred them to the Committee on Constitution Review for further action.
Reps Debate 60-Year Age Limit for Presidential, Governorship Candidates
In another major development, the House passed for second reading a bill seeking to impose a maximum age limit of 60 years for individuals contesting the presidency and governorship positions in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes an amendment to Sections 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to introduce this restriction.
If enacted, the bill would disqualify prominent politicians like President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso from contesting the 2027 elections.
Additionally, the bill introduces a minimum educational qualification for candidates, requiring them to hold at least a bachelor’s degree, a significant shift from the current school-leaving certificate requirement.
House Considers Creation of New States and LGAs
The House also passed bills seeking to create new states, including Wan State in the North Central and Gobir State in the North West.
Other approved bills propose upgrading Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State into a federal university of education and creating Ideato West Local Government Area in Imo State.
Lawmakers also endorsed a bill mandating the inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments.
A bill proposing a shift in Nigeria’s governance structure also passed second reading.
Sponsored by House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and 59 others, the bill seeks to establish the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government while the President serves as Head of State.
The bill also outlines a new electoral framework for electing the Prime Minister, State Governors, and local government officials.
House Rescinds Decision on 2 Key Bills for More Debate
Meanwhile, the House has rescinded its earlier decision on two constitutional amendment bills to allow for a more extensive debate.
One of the bills, sponsored by Rep. Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), seeks to qualify the immunity of the President and remove the immunity of the Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors in a bid to curb corruption and enhance accountability in public office.
The second bill, sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others, proposes a review of penalties for certain capital offences to align with international best practices.
House Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, clarified that the decision to rescind the passage of these bills for second reading was to ensure a robust debate on their general principles before further legislative action. He emphasised that the bills remain part of the legislative process and will be revisited at a later date.
All constitution amendment-related bills will be transmitted to the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, for further deliberation and nationwide stakeholder engagement.
The House has set a December 2025 deadline to conclude the review process before the next election cycle.
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