The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Mr Benjamin Kalu has solicited diplomatic support Nigeria’s constitution review.
In his address at Constitution Review Diplomatic Dinner in Abuja, Mr. Kalu noted that the support of the diplomatic community is essential to the ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s constitutional framework and deepen international partnerships.
“Tonight represents not merely a social gathering but a
strategic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and shared vision as we navigate the complex terrain of constitutional reform in Africa’s largest democracy”. Mr Kalu said.
He said that the task of constitutional reform is not one to be undertaken in isolation.
“As we navigate this complex process, we recognize the immense value of international partnerships, knowledge exchange, and collaborative learning.
Parliamentary diplomacy has emerged as a powerful tool for strengthening
international cooperation, promoting democratic values, enhancing mutual
understanding, and facilitating the exchange of best practices in
constitutional and legislative matters.
It is in this spirit that we have convened
this dinner tonight to explore avenues for meaningful collaboration that can
enrich our constitutional review process”. He said.
The Deputy Speaker sort support and partnership in several key areas:
” 1. Study Tours and Legislative Exchanges
We believe that exposure to diverse constitutional models and legislative
practices can significantly enhance our reform efforts. We invite your support
in facilitating study tours for our committee members to your respective countries to observe firsthand how similar constitutional issues have been addressed in different contexts.
These exchanges would allow our lawmakers to gain valuable insights into
alternative governance structures, electoral systems, judicial frameworks, and security architectures that might inform our own constitutional amendments.
2. Technical Resources and Expertise
Constitutional reform requires specialized knowledge and expertise across various domains, from federalism and devolution to judicial independence and gender mainstreaming. We welcome technical assistance from your countries and international organizations in the form of expert consultations, research support, and capacity building for our committee members and staff. Such technical resources would strengthen our ability to craft constitutional amendments that reflect global best practices while addressing Nigeria’s unique challenges and aspirations.
3. Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation
We seek to strengthen our engagement with parliamentary bodies in your
countries through formal and informal channels of cooperation. This could
include bilateral relations between our parliaments, participation in international parliamentary institutions, and thematic exchanges focused on specific areas of constitutional reform.
“These cooperative frameworks would facilitate the sharing of legislative
experiences, procedural innovations, and policy approaches that could
enrich our constitutional review process”. He said.
He informed the gathering that the approach to constitutional review is founded on the principle of inclusive participation.
“We recognize that the legitimacy of our constitution depends not merely on its substantive provisions but on the
process through which it is amended”.He said.
He noted that the committee has adopted a multi-stakeholder engagement strategy that includes:
1. Public Hearings: We will conduct hearings across the six geopolitical zones to gather input from citizens on proposed amendments.
2. Stakeholder Consultations: We have engaged and continue to engage with the Nigerian Governors Forum, Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies, civil society organizations, and professional bodies.
3. Digital Platforms: We are leveraging technology to enable broader public participation in the review process.
4. Media Engagement: We are maintaining open communication channels with the media to ensure transparent reporting on our activities.
“This inclusive approach reflects our commitment to a constitution that truly
represents the aspirations of the Nigerian people and addresses their most pressing concerns”. He said.
He stressed that the committee has set December 2025 as its deadline for completing the constitution review process.
“This timeline is deliberate, designed to ensure that we conclude our work before the commencement of electoral activities that might inadvertently affect the alteration process.
” In the coming months, we will intensify our engagement with stakeholders,
conduct public hearings across the country, and refine the proposed
amendments based on the feedback received. We will work closely with the
State Houses of Assembly, whose concurrence is required for constitutional amendments, to build consensus and expedite adoption.
“Our goal is to deliver a constitution that strengthens Nigeria’s democracy,
promotes inclusive governance, enhances security, ensures fiscal
responsibility, and aligns with global best practices in constitutional design”. Mr. Kalu added.
In his response, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, said that the constitutional review was necessary for a new Nigeria.
Other ambassadors and high commissioners at the engagement pledged support for the success of the review.
Olusola Akintonde