In a decisive move to push forward constitutional reforms in Nigeria, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN) has called on the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to actively support the ongoing constitution review process.
The appeal was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who also serves as chairman of the NGF.
The delegation, led by Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and Chairman of the CSSLN, emphasized the urgency of collaboration between state legislatures and governors to ensure the success of key institutional reforms, particularly legislative autonomy and improved governance structures.
“We are committed to repositioning state houses of assembly to be more impactful, autonomous, and responsive to the needs of our people,” Ogundoyin said. “We believe collaborating with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is critical to achieving these objectives.”
Ogundoyin highlighted several initiatives already in motion by the CSSLN, including capacity building, transparency measures, and strengthened intergovernmental cooperation. However, he noted that these reforms require executive partnership to take full effect.
“We are not working in isolation. For meaningful change to happen, we need our governors. Their partnership is crucial and pivotal,” he added.
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The CSSLN chairman called for support on significant legislative priorities such as devolution of power, fiscal federalism, and the establishment of state policing systems — issues long seen as critical to Nigeria’s federal structure.
Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq assured the speakers of the NGF’s readiness to support democratic reforms and strengthen governance across the federation.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s governors are aligned with efforts that enhance accountability, institutional efficiency, and service delivery.
“The NGF remains committed to engaging constructively with all stakeholders, especially the legislatures, in advancing reform initiatives that will improve the lives of our people,” AbdulRazaq said.
With Nigeria’s constitutional review process gaining momentum, this renewed alliance between lawmakers and governors may prove to be a pivotal turning point in reshaping the nation’s democratic framework.