Senate announces public hearings on constitution review

Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced plans to organise a comprehensive two-day zonal public hearing in the country’s six geo-political zones.

The hearings, slated for July 4 and 5, are part of an extensive national consultation process aimed at capturing citizens’ voices on critical issues shaping the future of governance in Nigeria.

The committee, chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, said the public hearing which will be held simultaneously in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central) Maiduguri, (North East) and Kano (North West).

According to a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President and Committee Chairman, Senator Barau I Jibrin, on Sunday, the hearings will be held simultaneously in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central), Maiduguri (North East), and Kano (North West).

Barau revealed that the committee will entertain over 50 proposals addressing a wide range of national concerns — from local government autonomy to gender representation, state police, judicial timelines, and even the creation of new states.

“This is a critical moment for our democracy. We are calling on all Nigerians to be part of this national dialogue,” Barau said. “The aim is to ensure that the voices of citizens are reflected in the constitution that governs them.”

At the heart of the conversation are two bills seeking to grant full autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local governments.

One proposes constitutional recognition of local councils as a distinct tier of government, while the other recommends setting up an independent electoral body to oversee local elections — a move that could potentially free local politics from the grip of state governments.

Security, State Creation, and Fiscal Overhaul:

The hearings will also spotlight hot-button issues like the creation of state police forces and state security councils to tackle insecurity with tailored local approaches.

In the area of fiscal governance, six bills have been proposed, including one mandating a timeline for governors and the president to submit annual budgets, and another strengthening the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to ensure accountability in public finance.

Additionally, 31 separate requests for new states — from all six zones — are on the table. These include seven from the North East alone, as well as multiple proposals from the South West, South South, and North Central.

The committee is also seeking to advance gender equity with a proposed bill to reserve additional legislative seats for women in both the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly.

In a nod to Nigeria’s traditional institutions, another bill proposes the formal recognition and establishment of National, State, and Local Government Councils of Traditional Rulers.

Further reflecting the scope of the review, bills enabling Nigerians in the diaspora to vote and allowing independent candidates to contest elections at all levels are scheduled for debate.

Over 20 judicial reform bills have also been submitted, aiming to accelerate the delivery of justice and broaden the jurisdiction of election tribunals.

Barau emphasised the significance of public engagement in this constitutional moment. “This is more than a legal exercise — it is a democratic process. Every citizen has a stake in the Constitution. This is your opportunity to be heard.”