Reps Move to Establish National Council for Traditional Rulers
By Saheed Badmus
Nigerian House of Representatives has unanimously passed for second reading a bill for an Act to Establish the National Council for Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and for Related Matters (HB.2665)
The bill which was sponsored by Rep. Abdulmumin Mohammed Ari was presented for second reading during Thursday plenary at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
According to Nasarawa state federal legislator, the bill when passed into law would strengthen the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria as custodians of peoples” culture, tradition, values, morals and beliefs to serve as vanguards in ensuring peaceful co-existence and economic development among the diverse citizens, and to promote ethnic, unity and social cohesion in Nigeria
In his lead debate, Rep Abdulmumin Mohammed Ari said ” The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Members, you may wish to recall that the bill was read the first time on Wednesday, 10™ December, 2025. I therefore seek for your valued support to allow the bill be read a second time.
“This bill seeks to strengthen the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria as custodians of peoples” culture, tradition, values, morals and beliefs to serve as vanguards in ensuring peaceful co-existence and economic development among the diverse citizens, and to promote ethnic, unity and social cohesion in Nigeria
“The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Members, may wish to further note that the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria was formed and formally registered as an Incorporated Trustee with the Corporate Affairs Commission in 2013 to function as a recognised umbrella body of traditional rulers in Nigeria to provide governance and political advisory role on government policies and programmes, cultural preservation, community development and mobilization, peace and conflict resolution etc.
“The NCTRN as an umbrella body of the Council is not having a legal backing that guides its operations at the national level. Hence, this bill so as to advance the role of traditional institutions in maintaining notional stability, peace and unity in the country.
“Highlights on the NCTRN (Establishment) Bill, 2026 are as follows:
” Establishment of the State and Local Government Traditional Councils in the Federation.
“Provision of Standing Orders at all levels that will regulate the conduct of its Members and proceedings at meetings.
“Constitution of Judicial Committee of the Council that will handle matters on any of fence(s) level against any traditional rulers.
“The removal of traditional rulers from the throne must be referred to the Judicial Committee of the Council for approval.
“Creation of the National Register of Traditional Rulers
“The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Members the importance of this body cannot be over-emphasized in our march towards a peaceful society and by implication Nigeria.
“The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Hon. Members, I therefore urge you all to support that the bill be read a second time”.
