In a major move toward overhauling Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review has announced plans for a comprehensive two-day public hearing to be held simultaneously across the country’s six geo-political zones.
The hearings, scheduled for July 4 and 5, aim to give ordinary Nigerians a platform to weigh in on wide-ranging constitutional reforms — from local government autonomy and state policing to gender equity and the creation of new states.
Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Review Committee, said the hearings would take place in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central), Maiduguri (North East), and Kano (North West).
The hearings are expected to spark vigorous public dialogue and shape the next phase of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“This is a critical moment for our democracy,” Barau said in a statement via his media aide, Ismail Mudashir. “We are calling on all Nigerians to be part of this national dialogue. The aim is to ensure that the voices of citizens are reflected in the constitution that governs them.”
The committee has received over 50 constitutional amendment proposals, touching virtually every sector of national life. Among the most debated:
Local Government Autonomy: Two landmark bills seek to enshrine local councils as a constitutionally recognized third tier of government and to establish an independent body to oversee their elections.
State Policing and Security: Proposals include the establishment of state police forces and security councils tailored to tackle local threats.
Fiscal Reforms: Multiple bills aim to overhaul budgetary practices, including setting strict timelines for executive budget submissions and bolstering the powers of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Creation of New States: No fewer than 31 proposals for new states have been submitted — with the North East zone leading with seven. The South South, South West, and North Central zones also have active requests.
Gender Inclusion: A key bill seeks to reserve legislative seats for women in both the National Assembly and State Assemblies, marking a bold push for gender equity in politics.
Judicial Reforms: Over 20 bills have been proposed to improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s courts, including expanding the jurisdiction of election tribunals and accelerating justice delivery.
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Diaspora Voting & Independent Candidacy: Nigerians abroad could soon gain the right to vote, and independent candidates may get a constitutional green light to contest elections at all levels.
Recognition of Traditional Rulers: Another bill proposes formal constitutional roles for Nigeria’s traditional leaders through the creation of National, State, and Local Councils of Traditional Rulers.
Political analysts say this round of reforms could reshape Nigeria’s governance structure if fully implemented.
By opening up the review process to citizens across the six zones, the Senate is signaling a more inclusive and responsive approach to constitutional change.
“This is more than a legal exercise — it is a democratic process,” Senator Barau emphasized. “Every citizen has a stake in the Constitution. This is your opportunity to be heard.”
Public participation in the zonal hearings is expected to be robust, as Nigerians from all walks of life prepare to make their voices count on the future of their country’s governance framework.