The House of Representatives has taken a significant step toward reshaping Nigeria’s governance structure after advancing a landmark bill to create separate roles for a Prime Minister heading government operations and a President serving as ceremonial head of state.
This constitutional amendment proposal, which passed its second reading on March 27, seeks to fundamentally restructure Nigeria’s executive branch by rewriting relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution. The legislation includes detailed provisions for electing holders of both offices through distinct processes.
Among 32 constitutional amendments making progress, another groundbreaking proposal would guarantee dedicated legislative seats for women in both federal and state assemblies – a move advocates say could dramatically improve gender representation in Nigerian politics.
The legislative session also saw advancement of a bill designed to accelerate electoral dispute resolution through specialized pre-election tribunals, while another proposal tightens qualifications for executive positions including president, vice president, governors and their deputies.
More transformative changes may be coming as lawmakers consider three additional amendments that would: redefine the Federal Capital Territory’s electoral status, and potentially create two new states – Wan and Gobir – which would mark Nigeria’s first territorial expansion in decades.
With these latest additions, the total package of constitutional reforms under consideration has now reached 113 separate proposals, setting the stage for what could become Nigeria’s most comprehensive governance restructuring since the return to democratic rule.
