On Tuesday, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review announced its plans to engage with multiple stakeholders, including the Nigerian Governors Forum, the Nigeria Guild of Editors, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, the chairmen of 18 political parties, and various civil society organizations, to solicit their input as part of the ongoing efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the revision of the Constitution reflects the diverse perspectives and needs of different groups within Nigerian society. Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, made these disclosures during a committee meeting held in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the constitutional review process.
Kalu elaborated on the committee’s schedule, noting that an international legislative dialogue on women’s participation in politics is planned for October 28, coupled with zonal public hearings set for January. These events are designed not only to gather input from various stakeholders but also to keep the public informed about the committee’s progress and activities. The Deputy Speaker expressed confidence that the committee is on track to deliver a new Constitution to the Nigerian populace by December 2025, highlighting the significance of gathering insights from key players in the political landscape of Nigeria.
Addressing the thematic areas being reviewed, Kalu identified local government matters, the judiciary, electoral processes, security, and the devolution of powers as critical focal points. These areas were chosen to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the governance structures within Nigeria. He underscored the necessity of including a wide array of stakeholders in discussions related to these themes, stating that obtaining their cooperation and insights is essential for the successful transformation of the Constitution.
The composition of the committee was also detailed, with Kalu outlining the various subcommittees established to focus on specific thematic areas. The Local Government Matters sub-committee includes notable members such as Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Obinna Ginger, and Aliyu Boya, while the judiciary and electoral sub-committees comprise various representatives tasked with providing expert opinions and recommendations pertinent to their respective fields. By creating specialized groups within the committee, the House aims to facilitate more focused discussions and effective solutions to the challenges identified in each thematic area.
Kalu also made a commitment to prioritize the insights gathered from the upcoming women’s summit in the constitutional alteration exercise. He emphasized the necessity of amplifying women’s voices in Nigeria’s political landscape as a means of ensuring equitable representation and participation. The Deputy Speaker reiterated that the committee is dedicated to taking actionable recommendations from this summit and integrating them into the larger constitutional review process, thereby acknowledging the critical role women play in shaping the nation’s governance and development.
In conclusion, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is actively moving forward with plans to amend the 1999 Constitution, involving a broad range of stakeholders to enrich the process. The committee’s commitment to transparency, public engagement, and collaboration with various political and civic entities underscores its intention to create a more inclusive and effective governance framework. As they work toward their target completion date of December 2025, the committee is poised to address significant issues within the political system, ensuring that the Constitution evolves to better meet the needs of the Nigerian people.
