by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Senate Committee reviewing the 1999 Constitution is currently considering 31 fresh proposals for the creation of new states, with seven requests from the North-East, six each from the North-West and North-Central, and five each from the South-West and South-South. The South-East submitted three requests.
In addition, the Senate is making a final push to grant full autonomy to all 774 local government areas (LGAs) across the country. One proposed bill aims to formally recognize LGAs as a constitutionally protected tier of government with guaranteed tenure. Another seeks to establish an independent National Local Government Electoral Commission (NALGEC) to oversee local elections.
The committee is also set to review 20 judicial reform bills, including proposals to set specific timelines for court judgments and expand the jurisdiction of election tribunals.
These developments come ahead of a comprehensive two-day zonal public hearing scheduled for July 4–5, 2025, across all six geopolitical zones. The hearings aim to gather public input on the proposed constitutional amendments. Sessions will be held in Lagos (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Ikot Ekpene (South-South), Jos (North-Central), Maiduguri (North-East), and Kano (North-West).
Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, who chairs the review committee, emphasized the significance of citizen participation in shaping the constitutional reform process. His media adviser, Ismail Mudashir, outlined the key issues up for debate, including local government autonomy, electoral and judicial reforms, state police, inclusive governance, and fiscal restructuring.
Among the fiscal reform proposals is a bill to empower the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to enforce revenue compliance and streamline the review process of the revenue allocation formula. Another bill seeks to mandate deadlines for the presentation of national and state appropriation bills.
In a step toward gender equity, the committee is reviewing a bill to reserve additional seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.
Efforts to strengthen traditional institutions are also underway, with proposals to establish national, state, and local government councils of traditional rulers.
Electoral reform is a major focus as well. Bills will be considered to allow for independent candidates in elections at all levels and to permit Nigerians living abroad to vote in national polls.
Security-related bills proposing the establishment of state police forces and state security councils are also on the agenda.
The Senate committee reaffirmed its commitment to public consultation and urged Nigerians to actively participate in the upcoming public hearings.