The Nigerian Senate has started a major public hearing to review the 1999 Constitution and give citizens a voice in shaping the country’s future. The public hearings will take place in all six geo-political zones of the country on July 4 and 5.
The Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution, led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, will hold the hearings in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central), Maiduguri (North East), and Kano (North West).
Senator Barau said the hearings will collect views from Nigerians on over 50 proposals covering key national issues, including local government autonomy, creation of new states, gender equality, state police, and electoral reforms.
“This is a critical moment for our democracy. 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,” Barau said in a statement released by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, on Sunday.
One of the major proposals is to give full autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local governments. This includes recognising local governments as a separate level of government and setting up an independent electoral body to manage local elections.
Security is also a major focus. The committee will discuss the creation of state police and state security councils to help tackle insecurity in ways that fit local needs.
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On budget and finance, there are six proposals. One will set a timeline for the President and governors to submit their yearly budgets, while another will strengthen the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to ensure better public financial management.
The committee has received 31 requests for new states, with seven from the North East alone. Other regions — including the South West, South South, and North Central — have also submitted multiple requests.
To promote gender balance, one proposed bill seeks to reserve extra legislative seats for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
The Senate is also considering bills to recognise traditional rulers formally by creating National, State, and Local Councils of Traditional Rulers.
Other proposals aim to allow Nigerians living abroad to vote and independent candidates to contest elections.
In the justice system, over 20 judicial reform bills have been submitted. These aim to speed up the justice process and expand the power of election tribunals.
Barau urged Nigerians to take part in the hearings.
“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,” he said.