Stakeholders Drive Nigeria’s Constitutional Review as Public Hearing Opens

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The national public hearing on Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution review opened in Abuja on Monday.

Stakeholders submitted memoranda on 87 proposed bills covering reforms from electoral processes to gender inclusion and decentralized policing.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, representing President Bola Tinubu while declaring open the event, described the Constitution review as a “living document” that must adapt to Nigeria’s realities.

Akume praised the House Committee on Constitution Review for creating an inclusive platform for citizens participation.

Citizens at the Heart of Reform

Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairman Benjamin Kalu emphasized that the proposals reflect the voices of Nigerians and not just lawmakers.

“The ultimate authority for this process does not reside in the executive or the legislature alone. It resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria.”

He disclosed that 87 amendment bills have been compiled, addressing independent candidacy, creation of an Electoral Offences Commission.

He mentioned other Key proposals to include:

• Allowing independent candidacy for elections
• Creating an Electoral Offences Commission
• Guaranteeing financial and administrative autonomy for local governments
• Introducing reserved seats for women in legislative houses
• Moving policing to the Concurrent List to allow state and community police

Global Support for Nigeria’s Democracy

The United Kingdom, through Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever, and the European Union, via Ambassador Gautier Mignot, praised the review, highlighting citizen participation as proof of a vibrant democracy.

They pledged technical and policy support, particularly in areas like electoral reform, judicial review, and protection of rights.

“This is a great opportunity to make history by building a more inclusive and progressive democracy,” Mignot said.

Legislative Commitment

Speaker of the House Abbas Tajudeen assured that the process will follow set timelines and be transmitted to state assemblies promptly.

He noted that the reforms aimed to make democracy more representative and policies more responsive, covering gender balance in ministerial appointments, inclusion of persons with disabilities, and recognition of traditional rulers in peacebuilding.

The Speaker urged civil society, labour unions, youth and women’s groups, political parties, and traditional institutions to engage constructively, noting that the review aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity, security, and transparent governance.

 

A Call for National Engagement

The law makers reminded citizens that constitutional reform is a “marathon, not a sprint,” urging sustained engagement as the bills move through plenary debates, harmonization with the Senate, and eventual approval by state legislatures.