The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced a two-day nationwide public hearing to be held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones on July 4 and 5, 2025.
The hearings, chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, aim to gather citizen’s opinions on major issues affecting governance in the country. They will take place simultaneously in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central), Maiduguri (North East) and Kano (North West).
Over 50 constitutional amendment proposals are expected to be considered. Key topics include local government autonomy, creation of state police, gender representation, judicial reforms and fiscal accountability. Two bills specifically target full autonomy for Nigeria’s 774 local councils, one for constitutional recognition and another to create an independent body for local elections.
The committee also received 31 separate requests for the creation of new states, with the highest number (seven) from the North East. Other bills propose allowing diaspora voting, enabling independent candidates in elections and giving traditional rulers formal roles in governance structures.
To strengthen fiscal responsibility, several bills suggest stricter timelines for budget submissions by the president and governors, as well as reforms to the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission. Over 20 proposals focus on judicial reforms to speed up justice delivery and expand tribunal powers.
Senator Barau urged Nigerians to take part in the hearings, stating, “This is more than a legal process. It’s a chance for all citizens to shape the constitution that governs them.”