Reps set dates for nationwide constitutional review public hearings.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review released a calendar for zonal public hearings across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, told media at a news conference in Abuja that the ongoing revision to the 1999 Constitution must reflect the Nigerian people’s collective desire and aspirations.
“In accordance with our Constitution’s preamble, which begins with ‘We the People of Nigeria,’ this process is people-centered.
“We are taking democracy to the doorsteps of every Nigerian to ensure that no voice is left unheard,” Kalu told the media.
According to the schedule, the public hearings will be held in two phases.
The first phase, covering the northern zones, will take place from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, while the second phase, covering the southern zones, is scheduled for Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025.
A national public hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, in Abuja, the country’s capital.
Zonal Hearing Centres
In the North Central area, public hearings will be held in Minna (for Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states) and Lafia (for Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and the FCT).
The North West will hold sessions in Kaduna (for Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States) and Sokoto (for Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States).
Hearings for the North East will take place in Gombe (Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba States) and Maiduguri (Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States).
Sessions in the South South are planned for Yenagoa (Bayelsa, Edo, and Delta States) and Calabar (Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States).
Enugu will host the states of Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi, while Owerri will serve Imo and Abia.
The South West hearings will take place in Lagos (for Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States) and Akure (for Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti States).
To encourage meaningful public participation, Kalu announced the publishing of a condensed compilation of all constitution amendment legislation now under consideration.
The document, which is available for download at www.hccr.gov.ng, covers significant theme areas, including long titles and summaries of proposed modifications.
“This compendium is a tool for enlightenment, intended to decipher legislative jargon.
“We want Nigerians to understand the issues, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully,” replied Kalu.
It was stated that key thematic areas include electoral and judicial reforms, legislative efficiency, devolution of powers, institutional strengthening, fiscal federalism, inclusive governance, gender equity, local government autonomy, security architecture, traditional institutions, and the establishment of new states and Local Government Areas.
He underlined that gender concerns are purposefully included into broader themes to enhance inclusivity and equality in governance.
He urged the press to take an active role in sensitising Nigerians, stating, “We are not only inviting the media; we are involving you.
“Without the media, there is no transparency.
“Your role is critical to the success of this reform process.”
On scepticism about the impact of previous constitution revision efforts, Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, stated, “Reform is not a one-time event. It represents an investment in justice, equity, and national growth.
“Through past efforts, we’ve seen significant gains, such as the devolution of powers in the areas of energy, transport, and telecommunications.”
Kalu also made a strong appeal to Nigerians, including civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth groups, women’s organisations, faith-based institutions, and professionals, to not be inactive in the exercise.
“Don’t be a fence-sitter. If you don’t participate right now, don’t complain afterward.
“The Constitution belongs to all of us, and together we can shape a document that reflects the true aspirations of our nation,” according to him.