The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is scheduled to host a comprehensive two-day Zonal Public Hearing across the six geopolitical zones of the country next week. Chaired by Deputy President Barau I. Jibrin, the committee will hold public hearings in Lagos, Enugu, Ikot Ekpene, Jos, Maiduguri, and Kano to gather citizens’
The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is scheduled to host a comprehensive two-day Zonal Public Hearing across the six geopolitical zones of the country next week.
Chaired by Deputy President Barau I. Jibrin, the committee will hold public hearings in Lagos, Enugu, Ikot Ekpene, Jos, Maiduguri, and Kano to gather citizens’ input on proposed constitutional amendments.
Ismail Mudashir, Media and Publicity Adviser to the Deputy Senate President, stated that the hearing aimed to gather Nigerians’ input on proposed constitutional amendments.
The hearing, set for July 4th and 5th, 2025, will address key national topics such as local government autonomy, electoral and judicial reforms, state creation, state police, and inclusive governance.
One bill proposes establishing Local Government Councils to ensure their democratic existence and tenure, aiming to grant full autonomy to the nation’s 774 councils.
The second bill concerning local government reforms aims to establish an independent National Electoral Commission (NALGEC) responsible for organising, conducting, and supervising local government elections.
The zonal public hearing will also consider two bills to establish a state police and a state security council for coordinating internal security policies at the sub-national level.
Six fiscal reform bills are being considered. One aims to empower the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to ensure compliance with remittances and disbursements from the Federation Account and simplify the process of reviewing revenue allocation.
Also, on fiscal reforms, a bill to alter the provisions of the constitution to specify the period within which the president or the governor of a state shall present the appropriation bill before the National Assembly or House of Assembly will be discussed during the hearing.
The Committee will review a bill to provide additional seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution to establish the National Council of Traditional Rulers, the State Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Local Government Council of Traditional Rulers is under consideration.
A proposal to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow independent candidates in all elections, from local councils to the presidency, will be discussed at the public hearing. Additionally, a bill for diaspora voting to enfranchise Nigerians abroad is up for consideration.
The hearing will consider over 20 bills seeking to overhaul the country’s judiciary, including timelines for judgment delivery and expanded jurisdiction for election tribunals.
The scope of the public hearing reflects a comprehensive approach to constitutional reform, touching on issues fundamental to Nigeria’s federal structure and democratic development. Legislators and stakeholders alike are expected to deliberate on topics that have long been subjects of national debate, from the balance of fiscal responsibility to the representation of marginalised groups.
The upcoming sessions promise rigorous discussions, as committee members seek expert opinions, civil society perspectives, and grassroots contributions to ensure the reforms address both current challenges and future aspirations of the nation.
In a bold push for devolution of powers, proposals have been made to transfer items like labour and shipping from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List.
The public hearing will consider 31 state creation proposals: five from the South West, South South, and North Central zones; seven from the North East; six from the North West; and three from the South East.
The committee emphasised the significance of public involvement in the development of the country’s constitution, urging all citizens to take part in the zonal public hearing.
