The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says it is committed to ensuring broader participation by Nigerians and other critical stakeholders in the ongoing process of amending the Constitution.
To achieve this, the committee will be embarking on Zonal Public Hearings in twelve centers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu made the disclosure at a Press Briefing in Abuja.
He noted that the hearings are designed to provide an open platform for citizens, civil society organizations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, and other interest groups to express their views and contribute meaningfully to the constitutional reform process.
“The Zonal Public Hearings will hold in six centres of the three Geopolitical Zones in the North from Friday, 11th July to Sunday, 13th July 2025, and in six centres of the three Geopolitical Zones in the South from Friday, 18th to Sunday, 20th July, 2025.
While the National Public Hearing will hold on Monday, July 21, 2025. 86 Constitution Review Bills currently under consideration in the House will be presented to the general public in form of a compressed compendium consisting of a collation of explanatory memoranda, long titles and a comprehensive exposé of the Bills for their inputs,” Mr. Kalu said.
Purpose of The Summarised Compendium
Mr. Kalu said that a Compendium would be presented as reference material to all stakeholders and members of the public during the Zonal Public Hearings to enable them to understand the legislative proposals.
The compendium is also to facilitate public engagement by allowing citizens to seek clarifications, critically examine the Bills based on their subject matter, and contribute through constructive input.
“To foster the exchange of ideas during the Hearings, thereby providing Members of the House with valuable insights into the expectations and concerns of their constituents and the wider public. This will help guide their legislative actions and inform their decisions when the Bills are brought up for voting.To provide feedback to members of the public who submitted memoranda, informing them whether and how their concerns have been addressed in the proposed amendments.
“This compendium organised according to the following thematic areas will be discussed at the Public Hearings and the resolutions reached will be considered by the Committee to either enrich or discard them.
A. Electoral Reforms
B. Judicial Reforms
C. Legislature
D. Inclusive Governance
E. Security and Policing
F. Devolution of Powers
G. Strengthening of Institutions
H. Traditional Institutions
I. Fiscal Reforms
J. Citizenship and Indigeneship
K. Fundamental Human Rights
L. Local Government Reform
M. Creation of States & Local Governments,” he said.
He called on all stakeholders and the general public to actively participate in the zonal and national public hearings.
” Your contributions and inputs are crucial to the success of this constitutional review process,” he noted.
The Deputy Speaker however dismissed the opinion that the Constitutional Review was a waste of money, saying that the Nigerian constitution is a living document that must always be reviewed.
He added that the media would not be left behind in the process.
Confidence Okwuchi