The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review has said Nigeria stands on the verge of a historic constitutional breakthrough as the National Assembly moves to decisive action on the 1999 Constitution.

Speaking at the 2nd Joint Retreat of the Senate and House Committees in Abuja, he stressed that the political future of over 200 million Nigerians depends on the coming decisions, noting that the reforms will reshape governance, federalism, and the management of power, resources, and security.

He emphasized that all amendments require approval from at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly under Section 9 of the Constitution. With governors scheduled for briefing on November 26, the National Assembly views this stage as a test of political will to advance reforms.

Deputy Senate President Senator JibrinBarau reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to meaningful reforms, explaining that the retreat was meant to adopt prior resolutions, review subcommittee reports, and advance legislative work, including on state and local government creation.

He described State Houses of Assembly as “critical and strategic partners” in ensuring smooth implementation.

Hon. AdeboOgundoyin, Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, represented by the Gombe State Speaker, Abubakar Muhammed, pledged continued support from state legislatures, expressing confidence that lawmakers can deliver reforms to strengthen democracy and governance.

The retreat brought together federal and state lawmakers and other stakeholders for a final engagement before the National Assembly votes on the amendment bills