By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has outlined a comprehensive plan to engage key stakeholders in the ongoing amendment of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. The committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, aims to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the review process.
A crucial meeting with the Nigerian Governors Forum is scheduled for July 23, 2025, where the committee will present bills currently under consideration and seek the governors’ support for passage. Additionally, a joint retreat with Senate Constitution Review members and Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly will be held from September 25 to 28, 2025, to harmonize bills and ensure consistency across the country.
The committee will also engage with Civil Society Organizations and Community-Based Organizations on July 3, 2025, as part of National Assembly Open Week. This engagement aims to bring expertise and alternative perspectives to the constitutional review process. Furthermore, media executives will be engaged on July 8-9, 2025, to facilitate public discussions and education on constitutional issues.
Public hearings on 87 prioritized bills will be conducted in the six geopolitical zones, with northern zones holding theirs from July 11-13 and southern zones from July 18-20. A national public hearing is planned for July 21, followed by an engagement with the 18 registered political parties on July 14. These efforts aim to aggregate the views of Nigerians and ensure that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the review process.
On June 20, 2025, a diplomatic dinner will be held to solicit support from the international community on thematic areas such as gender, security architecture, and state policing reforms. This international viewpoint will help Nigeria align with global best practices.
The committee has set ambitious targets, with a one-week plenary debate on the bills scheduled for October 7-9, 2025. Voting on the bills is expected to be held on October 14, 2025, and the transmission of the bills to the State Assembly is scheduled for October 30, 2025.
The committee emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in the review process. By engaging various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, media executives, and the diplomatic community, the committee aims to ensure that the constitution review process is inclusive and well-informed.
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is working diligently to ensure the successful passage of key bills in the review by December 2025. With a detailed timeline of activities and a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the committee is poised to make significant progress in the constitutional review process.
