|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-Senate Constitution Committee Moves to Gather Citizens’ Voices Across Nigeria
–Zonal Hearings to Tackle Local Government Autonomy, State Creation, Electoral Reform
The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced a two-day Zonal Public Hearing across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, aimed at collecting citizen input on far-reaching constitutional amendments.
The public hearings, scheduled for July 4th and 5th, 2025, will hold simultaneously in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central), Maiduguri (North East), and Kano (North West).
In a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President on Media and Publicity, the committee—chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin—said the hearing was designed to involve Nigerians in reforming critical aspects of the nation’s constitution.
Key Issues Up for Debate
Among the pressing issues to be addressed during the hearing include:
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Local Government Autonomy: One of the major bills proposes to recognise Local Government Councils as a full tier of government, granting them guaranteed democratic existence and tenure.
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Electoral Reforms: Another bill seeks the creation of an independent National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC) to manage LG elections across the country.
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Security and Policing: Two bills propose the creation of state police and state security councils, giving states more control over internal security.
Other Legislative Priorities
The zonal hearing will also address:
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Fiscal Reforms: Six bills propose reforms such as empowering the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to enforce revenue remittance, and introducing timelines for submission of appropriation bills by the President or State Governors.
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Gender Representation: A bill to provide additional legislative seats for women at both the national and state levels will also be presented.
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Traditional Institutions: Proposals to create National, State, and Local Government Councils of Traditional Rulers will be debated to strengthen indigenous governance systems.
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Electoral Expansion: A proposal will be reviewed to allow for independent candidacy at all election levels, alongside a diaspora voting bill to enfranchise Nigerians abroad.
Judicial and Structural Overhaul
Over 20 bills focused on the judiciary will be presented, including reforms to introduce timelines for judgment delivery and expanded election tribunal jurisdiction.
Also on the agenda is a push for devolution of powers, including proposals to transfer items like labour and shipping from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List.
State Creation in Focus
The committee has received 31 proposals for new states, broken down as follows:
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South West: 5 requests
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South South: 5 requests
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North Central: 5 requests
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North East: 7 requests
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North West: 6 requests
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South East: 3 requests
The Senate Committee emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement in the constitutional review process and encouraged Nigerians to attend and contribute to the discussions during the zonal hearings.
“This is an opportunity for Nigerians to be part of shaping the laws that govern their lives. Their voices are critical in creating a constitution that reflects our collective aspirations,” the committee stated.
