The Nigerian Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has commenced a two-day Northwest Zonal Public Hearing in Kano, bringing together stakeholders from across the region, including civil society groups, NGOs, and state representatives.
Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, reiterated the Senate’s dedication to addressing national concerns through proactive constitutional reforms.
He noted that five constitutional alteration acts had already been enacted, but emphasized that unresolved issues persist.
Key focus areas of the current review include electoral and judicial reforms, local government autonomy, roles of traditional institutions, human rights, gender equity, power devolution, and security restructuring. Senator Jibrin called on participants to contribute openly, assuring that voices from the grassroots would be considered.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Chief of Staff Dr. Wali Sani, underscored the importance of constitutional reforms for inclusive development. Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North also lauded the process as a testament to democratic inclusiveness and promised fair consideration of all regional inputs.
Stakeholders are expected to submit memoranda during the session, which aims to build consensus on critical constitutional issues.