- The proposed amendment will undergo a public hearing before a final vote in the National Assembly
Nigeria’s House of Representatives is considering a constitutional amendment that would require the President and state governors to address lawmakers every six months.
The proposed bill, currently before the House Committee on Constitution Review, aims to formalise regular State of the Nation and State of the State addresses. Lawmakers say the move will strengthen governance by ensuring more engagement between the executive and legislature.
The bill, co-sponsored by Mansur Soro from Bauchi State and Fatima Talba from Yobe State, seeks to amend Sections 67 and 108 of the 1999 Constitution.
If passed, the President would be required to deliver a biannual address to the National Assembly, covering key issues such as security and fiscal policies. Similarly, governors would be mandated to address their respective State Houses of Assembly on state affairs.
Speaking to The Punch, Soro said the bill was designed to enhance collaboration between the arms of government.
“At present, the National Assembly only engages with the President during budget presentations. However, more frequent discussions are necessary to tackle governance and security challenges,” he said.
He added that state governors should also be held to the same standard to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels.
Soro expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu, a former federal lawmaker, would sign the bill into law.
The proposed amendment will undergo a public hearing before a final vote in the National Assembly.