Reps to begin public hearing on constitution review July 11

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says the zonal public hearing on the proposed review of the 1999 constitution will begin on July 11.

Speaking on Wednesday while unveiling the timeline of the committee on constitution review, Kalu said the public hearing will take place in the six geopolitical zones.

He announced that the hearings for the north-east, north-west, and north-central geopolitical zones are scheduled for July 11 to 13, while those of the south-east, south-south, and south-west will hold from July 18 to 20.

Kalu, who chairs the house committee on constitution amendment, added that the national public bearing will be held on July 21.

“Zonal chairmen and their deputies are expected to liaise with states under their jurisdictions to ensure active participation in their respective zones,” he said.

“As discussed in our previous meetings, the committee is poised to subject the 87 prioritised bills that have passed second reading to public hearings in each of the six geopolitical zones.”

The deputy speaker said the house will hold a one-week plenary debate (October 7 to 9) on the bills, and voting on them is expected to take place on October 14.

He said the bills would be transmitted to state assemblies by October 30.

The deputy speaker also outlined additional activities to be undertaken by the constitution review committee.

He said engagement with political party leaders will take place on July 14 in Abuja.

Kalu said a meeting with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), to seek support for the constitution alteration bills, is billed for July 23.

The joint constitution review committee of the senate and the house will meet with the speakers of the 36 state houses of assemblies, during a retreat to harmonise bills, between September 25 and 28.

A constitution review committee diplomatic dinner, to solicit support and collaboration from the diplomatic community on thematic areas like gender, security architecture and state policing, has been scheduled for July 20. 

The committee will meet with civil society organisations and community-based organisations on July 3.

“The engagement will bring expertise and alternative perspectives to the constitutional review process, helping to shape our legislative decisions by highlighting deficiencies and proposing further debates,” Kalu said.

“It will also promote transparency, accountability and inclusivity in the processes by ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and engaged.”

Kalu said interaction with the Guild of Editors and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), to entertain public discussions, debates, and education on constitutional issues, will take place on July 8.

“The media can play a vital role in ensuring the constitution review process is inclusive, transparent, and the public is well-informed,” he said.

Kalu urged committee members to “work assiduously” to ensure the bills are passed by December 2025.