House of Reps Pledges to Enshrine Traditional Rulers' Role in Constitution by 2026

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has assured traditional rulers that they will be granted a formal role in Nigeria’s governance structure by 2026 through the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Abbas gave the assurance on Sunday in Kaduna during the official handover of 23 utility vehicles to traditional rulers in the state. The event, held at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, was attended by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and other senior government officials.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to carve out a prominent role for our traditional rulers beginning from 2026,” Abbas said.

He revealed that the 2025 federal budget includes provisions for further support to traditional institutions, including the renovation of palaces across Kaduna State’s three senatorial zones.

Abbas emphasized that the vehicle donation was part of a broader collaboration with the Kaduna State Government to strengthen the role of traditional institutions in governance and peacebuilding.

“These vehicles are not just for ceremonial purposes; they are essential working tools to help our traditional rulers reach every part of their chiefdoms and emirates,” he stated.

Governor Uba Sani, in his remarks, commended the traditional rulers for their pivotal role in maintaining peace and security across the state. He attributed the success of the state’s non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity to the strong collaboration between traditional leaders and security agencies.

“They have been working day and night, sharing intelligence with security agents and staying connected with the people at the grassroots. That is why our non-kinetic approach to insecurity is effective,” he said.

The governor praised Abbas for facilitating the distribution of the vehicles and reaffirmed the importance of synergy between traditional institutions, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and security agencies.

“This gesture is a motivation. We cannot achieve much without unity and collaboration across these sectors,” he added.

Governor Sani also noted that Kaduna had enjoyed two years of relative peace, with no major ethno-religious or communal clashes, describing the state as “one of the most peaceful sub-nationals in the country.”

Highlighting his achievements as a senator, he said he attracted interventions worth over ₦20 billion to Kaduna State. Among them is the near-completion of the Kaduna State University Faculty of Engineering, valued at over ₦12 billion, a project advanced through the efforts of Central Bank Deputy Governor Mohammed Sani Abdullahi Dattijo and Speaker Abbas.

“Although we couldn't complete it before our tenure in the Senate ended, Dattijo is now working closely with the Speaker to see it through. That is the kind of synergy we need for progress,” Sani said.