The Nigerian Senate has announced it will hold public hearings across all six geo-political zones on July 4 and 5, 2025, as part of a major effort to amend the 1999 Constitution. The hearings aim to collect opinions from Nigerians on key national issues, including the creation of new states, judicial reforms, state police, and more.
The hearings will be held simultaneously in Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central), Maiduguri (North East), and Kano (North West). Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, said the public engagement is crucial for strengthening democracy and ensuring broad participation in shaping Nigeria’s future.
A total of 31 proposals for new states have been submitted. These include five each from the South West, South South, and North Central zones; six from the North West; seven from the North East; and three from the South East.
Over 20 bills on judicial reforms will be reviewed, with some aiming to set deadlines for court judgments and expand election tribunal powers. On security, lawmakers will consider bills seeking to establish state police forces and state-level security councils to help improve local security management.
To enhance governance at the grassroots, one proposal pushes for constitutional backing of local government councils as an independent tier of government with guaranteed tenure. Another seeks the creation of a new National Local Government Electoral Commission to conduct council elections.
Several bills also target fiscal reforms. These include proposals to enforce timely budget submissions and strengthen the powers of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to ensure proper revenue remittance.
In a bid to improve gender representation, one bill proposes special legislative seats for women in national and state assemblies. Another bill aims to formally recognize traditional rulers by establishing a three-level system of traditional councils at the national, state, and local levels.
Other proposals on the table include bills on electoral changes such as allowing independent candidates and enabling diaspora voting. The review will also address devolution of powers, with suggestions to move issues like labour and shipping from the federal list to the state level.
The committee called on citizens to attend the hearings and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and effective Constitution.
