ASABA/Nigeria: The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has formally endorsed ongoing constitutional proposals on state policing and the devolution of powers, adding fresh momentum to one of the country’s most significant governance reform efforts aimed at tackling insecurity and strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure.
The endorsement signals growing legislative support for reforms that seek to decentralise aspects of governance and security, amid increasing calls for solutions to the country’s persistent security challenges. If eventually adopted, the proposed amendments are expected to redefine the relationship between the Federal Government and the states while expanding the responsibilities of sub-national governments in key areas of national development.
The position of the Conference was presented on Wednesday during the opening of the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja, where state lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to working with the Presidency and the National Assembly to deliver constitutional reforms they believe will improve governance and make public institutions more responsive to citizens.
Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, said the constitutional amendment process presents a rare opportunity to address long-standing structural issues affecting governance and security across the federation.
According to him, strengthening Nigeria’s federal system through carefully considered constitutional reforms would enhance intergovernmental cooperation, improve public service delivery and create a security architecture that is better positioned to respond to local realities.
Guwor said insecurity remains the country’s most pressing national challenge and called for stronger collaboration among governments at all levels, the legislature, security agencies, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and local communities.
He maintained that addressing the country’s security concerns requires a collective approach rather than relying solely on conventional security institutions.
“Security is a shared responsibility, and through collective action, we can build a safer and more peaceful nation,” he said.
The Conference Chairman expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to institutional reforms, particularly initiatives aimed at addressing security challenges through constitutional changes.
He also commended the leadership of the National Assembly for sustaining deliberations on constitutional amendments, describing the exercise as an important democratic process capable of laying the foundation for a stronger federation.
According to Guwor, the Conference of Speakers is prepared to work closely with the Presidency, the National Assembly and other stakeholders to ensure that the ongoing constitutional review ultimately reflects the interests and aspirations of Nigerians.
He described proposals on state policing and the devolution of powers as strategic reforms that could improve coordination among the three tiers of government while bringing governance closer to the people.
Beyond constitutional reforms, the Conference also applauded the National Assembly for sustaining the annual Open Week initiative, describing it as an important platform for promoting legislative transparency and strengthening public participation in governance.
Guwor specifically commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for institutionalising the programme, noting that greater interaction between lawmakers and citizens is essential to building confidence in democratic institutions.
He stressed that democratic governance thrives where transparency, accountability and meaningful public engagement are encouraged, urging Nigerians to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
Political analysts have long argued that proposals on state policing and the devolution of powers rank among the most consequential aspects of Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review, with supporters insisting that decentralising certain responsibilities would improve security, accelerate development and promote a more balanced federal system.
The Conference of Speakers’ endorsement is expected to add legislative momentum to the reform process as consultations on the constitutional amendment continue across the country.
