…Constitutional Overhaul Begins July 4–5 Across 6 Zones
…..Senate Sets Stage for Historic National Hearings
By Egalitarian Voice
In what may become the boldest constitutional review exercise in decades, the Nigerian Senate has announced it will consider 31 proposals for new states as part of a sweeping national reform agenda during zonal public hearings scheduled for July 4–5, 2025.
The hearings, organized by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, will also address a host of pressing national issues — from the creation of state police to fiscal autonomy, electoral reform, and gender inclusivity.
The 31 state creation requests span all six geopolitical zones:
- North East – 7 proposals
- North West – 6
- South West – 5
- South South – 5
- North Central – 5
- South East – 3
Senator Barau Jibrin, Deputy Senate President and Chair of the Constitution Review Committee, emphasized that the public hearings will serve as a national listening tour to gather public sentiment and shape legislative priorities. Sessions will take place simultaneously across six locations:
Lagos (South West), Enugu (South East), Ikot Ekpene (South South), Jos (North Central), Maiduguri (North East), and Kano (North West).
“This process is a momentous opportunity to reimagine the structure of our federation. We urge Nigerians to actively participate,” said Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media to Senator Jibrin.
Key Focus Areas of the Constitutional Review
State Creation and Restructuring
The most politically sensitive part of the hearings will be the debate over new state creation. This follows longstanding agitation by ethnic groups and regions that claim marginalization under the current federal arrangement.
Security Reforms
Two critical bills on internal security will be discussed:
1. Establishment of State Police Forces, enabling subnational governments to manage local security.
2. Formation of State Security Councils for coordinated crisis response. Local Government Autonomy and Fiscal Reform
The committee will review bills seeking to:
- Institutionalize local government councils as constitutionally protected entities
- Establish a National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC)
- Strengthen the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission for better financial accountability
- Mandate deadlines for federal and state budget submissions Gender
Representation and Inclusive Governance
One proposal recommends additional legislative seats for women to ensure equitable representation at both federal and state levels — a potential landmark move in gender policy.
Revitalizing Traditional Institutions
Another bill proposes the creation of a three-tiered Council of Traditional Rulers (National, State, and Local), aimed at integrating royal institutions more formally into the governance architecture.
Electoral and Diaspora Voting Reforms
Electoral bills under review will allow:
i. Independent candidates to contest elections without party affiliation
ii. Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in national elections — a long-demanded right by global diaspora communities
Judicial and Legal Reforms
Over 20 judiciary-related bills are on the docket, including:
- Setting timelines for court judgments
- Expanding the jurisdiction of election tribunals
- Revisiting the balance of powers between the federal and state governments
Why It Matters
The 1999 Constitution, enacted at the dawn of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, has long faced criticism for being military-drafted and insufficiently reflective of Nigeria’s diversity and complexity. These hearings, if conducted with integrity and transparency, could mark a turning point in the country’s political evolution.
The Senate’s openness to broad input — from local communities to advocacy groups — may provide a template for participatory governance going forward.
“The Nigerian people must seize this moment to shape their future,” said one constitutional scholar. “This is more than state creation; it’s about deepening democracy.”
🗓️ Public Hearing Schedule:
Dates: July 4–5, 2025
Venues: Lagos, Enugu, Ikot Ekpene, Jos, Maiduguri, Kano
Time: 9 AM Daily
Format: Zonal consultative forums with civil society, traditional leaders, legal experts, and the general public.
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