The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has announced comprehensive plans to conduct zonal public hearings across Nigeria, aiming to solicit broad public input on 86 constitutional amendment bills currently under consideration. This initiative, spearheaded by the Committee's Chairman and Deputy Speaker of the House, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, underscores a commitment to a people-centred approach in amending the 1999 Constitution, reflecting the collective will and aspirations of Nigerians.

The extensive series of public hearings will be held in two phases across 12 centres spanning Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, culminating in a national hearing in Abuja. The first phase, dedicated to the northern zones, is scheduled from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025. Following this, the second phase, covering the southern zones, will take place from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025. A national public hearing is slated for Monday, July 21, 2025, in Abuja. These hearings are designed to provide stakeholders and the general public with an invaluable opportunity to scrutinize the proposed legislation, seek necessary clarifications, and offer constructive feedback, which will significantly guide lawmakers’ decisions during the final voting process.

The detailed schedule for the zonal hearings includes: In the North Central region, sessions will be held in Minna, serving Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states, and in Lafia, for Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory. The North West will host hearings in Kaduna, covering Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States, and in Sokoto, for Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states. For the North East, Gombe will host Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states, while Maiduguri will serve Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. Moving to the South-South, sessions are scheduled for Yenagoa, covering Bayelsa, Edo, and Delta states, and Calabar, for Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states. In the South-East, Enugu will host Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi states, while Owerri will serve Imo and Abia states. Lastly, the South-West hearings will be held in Lagos, for Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states, and in Akure, for Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states.

These 86 constitutional alteration bills are meticulously grouped into 13 key thematic areas to facilitate structured engagement. These areas include: Electoral Reforms, Judicial Reforms, Legislature/Legislative Efficiency, Devolution of Powers, Security and Policing/Security Architecture, Local Government Reform/Autonomy, Fiscal Reforms/Fiscal Federalism, Indigeneship/Citizenship and Indigeneship, Fundamental Human Rights, Creation of States and Local Government Areas, Inclusive Governance, Strengthening of Institutions, and Traditional Institutions. Additionally, gender equity issues have been deliberately integrated into broader themes to ensure comprehensive inclusivity within governance frameworks.

To enhance public participation and understanding, a simplified compendium of all proposed amendment bills has been released. This document, which includes explanatory memoranda, long titles, and a comprehensive exposé of the bills, is available for download from www.hccr.gov.ng. The committee encourages the public to access this compendium and submit feedback to inform the legislative process, emphasizing that this resource is intended to demystify legislative language and enable meaningful contributions.

Deputy Speaker Kalu urged all Nigerians, including civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth organizations, women’s organizations, faith-based institutions, and professionals, to actively participate in this critical exercise, cautioning against passivity. He stressed the vital role of the media in sensitizing the public and ensuring transparency in the reform process. Addressing past skepticism regarding constitutional review efforts, Kalu highlighted previous successes, such as the devolution of powers in areas like energy, transport, and telecommunications, as an investment in justice, equity, and national development. He reiterated that the constitution belongs to all citizens, and their collective input is essential to shape a document that truly reflects the nation’s aspirations.