Senate to Hold Nationwide Public Hearings on Constitution Review July 4–5
The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced plans to hold two-day public hearings across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones on July 4 and 5, 2025.
The hearings are part of a major national consultation to allow Nigerians share their opinions on key issues that will shape the country’s future.
According to a statement by Ismail Mudashir, spokesperson for Senator Barau Jibrin, who chairs the committee and serves as Deputy Senate President, the hearings will take place in:
Lagos (South West)
Enugu (South East)
Ikot Ekpene (South South)
Jos (North Central)
Maiduguri (North East)
Kano (North West)
Senator Barau urged Nigerians to actively participate, describing the exercise as a crucial step in strengthening democracy.
> “This is a critical moment. We want every Nigerian’s voice to be heard in shaping a Constitution that truly reflects the people’s will,” he said.
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What’s Up for Discussion?
Over 50 proposals will be reviewed, including:
🏛️ Local Government Autonomy
Proposals to grant full independence to Nigeria’s 774 local governments.
One bill aims to officially recognize local councils as a third tier of government.
Another bill proposes an independent electoral body for local council elections.
🚓 Security Reforms
Creation of state police and state security councils to address rising insecurity through local strategies.
💰 Budget and Fiscal Management
Six bills target improved financial governance, including:
Setting deadlines for budget submissions by governors and the president.
Strengthening the powers of the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission.
🌍 Creation of New States
A total of 31 requests for new states have been submitted, with seven from the North East alone.
👩⚖️ Judicial Reforms
Over 20 bills aim to speed up justice delivery and expand the powers of election tribunals.
👩 Gender Representation
A proposed bill would reserve special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.
🗳️ Other Major Issues Include:
Voting rights for Nigerians in the diaspora.
Allowing independent candidates to contest elections.
Recognition of traditional rulers through the formation of national, state, and local councils.
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Senator Barau concluded by encouraging citizens not to sit back but to take ownership of the process:
> “This is more than just legal work—it’s a democratic journey. Your voice matters. This is your chance to be heard.”
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