Prominent stakeholders from across the South-West of Nigeria recently converged in Lagos for a zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution. This critical gathering addressed long-standing governance challenges that previous amendment attempts have failed to resolve. The Senate observed that despite five separate efforts to amend the Constitution since the return to democratic rule in 1999, key initiatives such as introducing state police, enshrining roles for traditional institutions, and devolving more powers to sub-national governments consistently failed to secure the required two-thirds approval from State Assemblies, leading to only piecemeal changes.

Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, made these observations during the public hearing held at Watercress Hotel, Ikeja. He was represented at the event by the Senate Leader and Vice Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Senator Jibrin highlighted that while previous alterations (First through Fifth Alteration Acts) addressed aspects of governance and institutional strengthening, fundamental national questions remain unresolved, often due to a lack of national consensus and the dynamic nature of governance.

The public hearing drew notable dignitaries, including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Southwest Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, Adeoye Aribasoye; and several traditional rulers such as the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Ayangburen of Ikorodu; Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Oba Adewale Shotobi; and Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, among others.

Senator Jibrin disclosed that the committee had received hundreds of memoranda from citizens and stakeholders, which have been reviewed and drafted into bills for public input. He identified key unresolved issues that dominate public discourse, including electoral reforms and adjudication, judicial reforms (especially in case management and administration), enhancements to local government administration, formal roles for traditional institutions, gender equity and inclusion, devolution and distribution of powers, and national security and policing.

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Senate Committee’s efforts, noting that Nigeria’s challenges extend beyond legal frameworks, striking at the heart of the nation’s identity and shared aspirations. He outlined crucial areas requiring reform, such as genuine federalism and power devolution, strengthening of local governments, creation of new states, electoral and judicial reforms, increased participation of women and youth in politics, and public security, including the urgent need for state police. The Governor emphasized that this constitutional review process is a critical opportunity for the people of Lagos and the South-West to shape the nation’s highest law, urging an approach guided by fairness, equity, and justice, listening to all voices to ensure the Constitution reflects the hopes, fears, and dreams of all Nigerians, not just the elite.

Adding to the discourse, Adeoye Aribasoye, representing the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, pledged the unwavering support of South-West state assemblies for the ongoing constitutional review. He assured that the State Houses of Assembly would give due consideration to all proposals transmitted to them by the National Assembly, treating the bills with national interest at heart, reinforcing the collaborative spirit essential for meaningful constitutional reform.