By Samuel Adeola
The National Assembly is proposing a new law that would require Nigeria’s President-elect to take the oath of office at the National Assembly Arcade rather than the traditional Eagle Square.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Abuja on the planned activities for this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
According to Bamidele, the move is part of broader legislative efforts to deepen democratic practices in Nigeria.
He also revealed that a bill is being prepared to mandate sitting Presidents to deliver a State of the Nation address before a joint session of the National Assembly every June 12.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already been invited to address a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in commemoration of Democracy Day.
Democracy Day, marked annually on June 12, honours the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll.
Bamidele said institutionalising the State of the Nation address, in partnership with the Presidency, would enhance transparency and allow citizens to monitor national progress.
“We are also hoping to change our political setting,” he added. “The next President will be sworn in at the arcade of the National Assembly of Nigeria.”
On budget matters, the Senate Leader noted that the implementation timeline for the 2024 capital budget already extended until June 30, 2025 may be further stretched to ensure effective execution.
“We have to sit and assess. We may further extend the capital expenditure timeline,” he said.
Speaking on constitutional reforms, Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, acknowledged the slow pace of the amendment process but confirmed that about 70% of the work had been completed.
He added that zonal public hearings would soon be held ahead of a final joint session of both chambers.
“Before the end of the third legislative year, we intend to complete the constitutional amendment process,” he assured.