Senate Begins Nationwide Constitution Review Hearings Today

The Nigerian Senate has announced the commencement of public hearings on the review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), starting today.

These hearings are scheduled to take place simultaneously across five out of the six geopolitical zones, with the exception of the Northwest.

The first leg of the hearings will hold in Lagos for the Southwest zone, while similar sessions will be held concurrently in four other states across the country.

The public hearings aim to solicit citizens’ input on several constitutional reform proposals, including the creation of 18 additional local government areas, the establishment of state police, and comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s electoral system.

The Senate stated that the decision to delay the Northwest hearing was made out of respect for the passing of a renowned Kano businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died last Saturday.

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Senate Leader and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee for the Southwest zone, outlined the programme of events at a press briefing held yesterday in Abuja.

According to him, the hearings offer Nigerians a vital opportunity to engage meaningfully with critical national issues that influence governance, equity, and the distribution of democratic dividends.

The Constitution Review Committee was inaugurated on February 14, 2024, by the 10th Senate and is composed of 45 members. It is chaired by Senate Deputy President Barau Jubrin, with Senator Bamidele serving as Vice Chairman.

Since its establishment, the committee has received a wide range of proposals for reform. These include matters relating to inclusive governance, institutional restructuring, policing and security architecture, enhancement of fundamental human rights, redefinition of the roles of traditional institutions, judicial reforms, fiscal federalism, and electoral reforms.

Bamidele revealed that the public hearing for the Southwest zone would hold today and tomorrow at the Water Crest Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

Among the key proposals to be debated is a bill seeking to amend the constitution to allow the establishment of state police forces or other security agencies under the jurisdiction of state governments.

In addition, another bill proposes the creation of a State Security Council in each state, tasked with advising governors on issues related to public security and safety within their territories.

Further proposed amendments include the transfer of certain items from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. For instance, one bill aims to devolve authority over labour relations, industrial disputes, and the minimum wage to allow both federal and state governments to legislate on these matters.

Another bill seeks to empower states to participate in the legislation and regulation of shipping and navigation on interstate waterways.

Additionally, the committee will consider a proposal mandating that every local government area within a state be represented by at least one member in the State House of Assembly.

This measure, according to Bamidele, is designed to promote equity, fair representation, and ensure that the benefits of democratic governance reach every local government.

Through these hearings, the Senate hopes to foster inclusive dialogue and build consensus around reforms that will enhance Nigeria’s democratic institutions and governance structures.