The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajuddeen Abbas, says the House would speedily conclude the constitutional review.
He made the pledge at the National Public Hearing on the Constitution Review in Abuja.
He said that the public hearing of his marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey and legislative process.
“It crowns months of deliberate, nationwide engagement designed to ensure that Nigerians themselves shape the evolution of our supreme law.
“Under the capable leadership of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, travelled across all six geopolitical zones, convening zonal and regional hearings that gathered the hopes, concerns, and insights of our diverse population. In those engagements, Nigerians from every background spoke with clarity and passion about the future they seek.
“Today’s forum unites those regional voices in a single, national conversation. It reflects the House of Representatives’ steadfast commitment to participatory governance and inclusive nation-building, affirming that every Nigerian has a meaningful voice in shaping the document that defines our republic,“ Mr Abbas said.
He commended the Constitutional Review Committee for its diligence and inclusivity.
“They have demonstrated through their work that a constitutional amendment must be a listening exercise before it becomes a legislative one. The publication of the Summarised Compendium of Bills, the online portals for feedback, the open invitations for memoranda, and the dedication with which members attended zonal sessions all demonstrate a people-driven process. I congratulate the Deputy Speaker and every member of the Committee for discharging this responsibility with integrity and patriotism.
The speaker also commended Nigerians for their commitment to the constitutional review.
“I also salute all who travelled from every corner of the country to participate today. From the outset of this review, the House of Representatives has pledged that we will conclude the process promptly. Nigerians are wary of constitutional reforms that drag on for years, losing momentum and eroding public trust. We recognise that, after the National Assembly votes on these bills, the State Houses of Assembly must also consider and approve them under Section 9 of the Constitution. To honour this requirement, we have set clear timelines. We intend to vote on the proposals expeditiously and to transmit them promptly to the State Houses of Assembly so that concurrence can be secured within the current legislative session. Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure. By acting decisively, we give the States enough time to debate, deliberate, and endorse the people’s will without the pressure of electoral calendars or political distractions,” he said.
He said that the proposals before the National Assembly cover a broad range of themes, reflecting the diversity and complexity of our federation.
“A few amendments in this review are as transformative as those under inclusive governance. Nigeria cannot prosper by leaving half of its talent and energy on the sidelines. Today, women hold less than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly. That statistic is unacceptable for a country of our size and ambition. The reserved seats for women proposal will create additional seats in the National Assembly and State Assemblies to ensure that every state and senatorial district has women’s voices in lawmaking. This is not tokenism but a constitutional mechanism to accelerate gender inclusion until structural barriers are dismantled. Similar provisions ensure representation for persons with disabilities at the federal, state, and local levels, recognising their right to fully participate in shaping the laws that affect their lives. Another amendment requires a minimum threshold of women in ministerial appointments to ensure gender balance. These measures will make our democracy more representative, our policies more responsive, and our country more just.
“Recognising traditional institutions is another important proposal. Our traditional rulers are stabilisers in their communities, mediators in conflict, and custodians of culture. By assigning them a defined advisory and functional role, particularly in local peace-building and community security collaboration, we integrate their strengths into our democratic framework without undermining republican principles. This approach acknowledges Nigeria’s cultural realities and leverages them to foster national unity and stability,“ the Speaker said.
He called on all stakeholders, civil society organisations, professional associations, labour unions, traditional rulers, political parties, youth and women’s groups, the media, and every citizen, to engage robustly and constructively in the hearing.
“Present your positions with clarity and patriotism. Offer solutions where you see challenges. Ask questions where you seek clarification. Even after today, continue to educate your communities, brief your State Assemblies, and hold us accountable. Constitutional reform is a process that relies on your vigilance and participation. The work before us is weighty but inspiring. Constitutions are not perfect documents, but they are powerful compacts,“ he added.
“The challenges of the 21st century demand a constitution that is not an artefact of the past but a dynamic blueprint for the future. It must be a constitution that is not only legal but also legitimate; one that commands
The respect and allegiance of every citizen because they see their hopes, their values, and their fundamental rights reflected in its text,” Mr Kalu said.
He said that the committee had embarked on the most comprehensive and consultative review process in Nigeria’s democratic history.