Nigerian House of Representatives Proposes New Constitutional Law to Protect Pregnant Women on Death Row, Commute Death Sentence to Life Imprisonment

The Nigerian House of Representatives has proposed a major constitutional amendment aimed at protecting pregnant women sentenced to death and safeguarding the lives of their unborn children. The proposal, adopted by the House Committee on Constitution Review chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, seeks to amend Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution to ensure that any pregnant woman convicted of a capital offence is sentenced to life imprisonment instead of death.

Under the proposed new subsection, courts would be required to commute death sentences once pregnancy is proven, recognising the unborn child’s right to life. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, praised the bill as humane and progressive, arguing that executing a pregnant woman amounts to the unjust killing of an innocent unborn child. He cited international human rights principles, U.S. constitutional arguments, and moral considerations in support of the amendment.

Constitutional lawyer Abdul Mahmud also endorsed the proposal, describing it as a balanced effort to align criminal justice with evolving global human rights standards, while raising broader questions about the continued relevance of the death penalty in Nigeria.

In addition, the House proposed a separate amendment to guarantee Nigerians’ right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment, including access to environmental information and accountability for pollution. The twin proposals reflect a broader legislative push toward human rights protection, environmental justice, and constitutional reform in Nigeria.

The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of six additional states. This was one of the key resolutions reached at the end of the two-day retreat, co-chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt—Hon. Benjamin Kalu, in Lagos.

Following widespread backlash and pushbacks, Deputy Speaker withdraws Indigeneship Bill.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has formally withdrawn the proposed Indigeneship Bill from further consideration in the National Assembly.

Kalu explained that the decision followed widespread feedback from the public, stakeholders, and institutions, including a critical analysis by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS). The report advised caution and called for broader consultations.

While the bill aimed to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness for all Nigerians—regardless of their state of origin—concerns were raised over how such changes might affect existing state laws and the rights of indigenous populations.

NILDS, in its recommendation, suggested that State Houses of Assembly should instead enact laws granting settlers equal rights and privileges. Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, emphasized his commitment to democratic processes and public engagement, stating that all legislative efforts must align with the aspirations of Nigerians.

He assured that the bill may be revisited after further legislative and public engagement to ensure it fully reflects the will of the people.

Bola Tinubu Conference Centre booked till 2027 Wike.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that the recently inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has been booked till 2027.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu, inaugurated the renovated Conference Centre, previously the Abuja International Conference Centre on the 10th June 2025, as part of projects to mark his second anniversary in office.

Following the inauguration, critics, including former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, had faulted the N39bn spent on the renovation of the ICC, noting that the sum could have been spent on other development projects, particularly in the Education Sector.

However, speaking during the inauguration of the Kugbo Bus Terminal in Abuja on Thursday, Wike noted that despite the criticisms, the ICC had been booked until 2027, adding that he was seeking ways to adjust bookings to accommodate the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review’s request to use the place.