The second dialogue session for Day 2 of NASS Open Week, chaired by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, explored “The Constitutional Role of Traditional Rulers.” Rep. Abdulmumin Mohammed Ari (APC, Nasarawa), alongside other contributors, examined how traditional institutions can be better integrated into Nigeria’s evolving constitutional framework.
Chairing the session, Speaker Abbas disclosed that the 10th National Assembly is actively considering proposals to establish a constitutionally recognised three-tier traditional council system at the federal, state, and local government levels. He outlined plans for a National Council of Traditional Rulers to advise the President, State Councils of Chiefs to contribute to peacebuilding and customary law, and Local Government Traditional Councils to support grassroots development and community security. He also called for financial autonomy and constitutional protections to insulate traditional rulers from political interference.
Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, welcomed the proposals and called for the reinstatement of traditional leadership roles, particularly in peacebuilding and community engagement. He recalled that earlier Nigerian constitutions recognised traditional institutions; provisions that were later removed, leading to diminished rural governance capacity.
The House of Representatives remains committed to a people-driven constitutional review process that advances equity, inclusion, and participatory governance.
