Date: July 4, 2025
By: Jonathan
The Nigerian Senate has officially kicked off a major public hearing on constitutional amendments in Lagos, opening the doors for Nigerians to weigh in on one of the most significant reform efforts since the return to democracy. The event, which began today (July 4) at the Water Crest Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, is part of a wider zonal consultation spanning all six geopolitical zones of the country.
Here’s everything you need to know about this historic public hearing and what it could mean for Nigeria’s political, social, and economic future.
🇳🇬 Why This Matters
This two-day hearing for the South-West region (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States) is one of several scheduled across the country as the Senate Committee on Constitution Review seeks input on key reforms to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The committee is chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, while Senator Opeyemi Bamidele is spearheading the South-West effort.
The public hearing is not only a sign of increasing democratic engagement but also reflects long-standing calls by citizens for true federalism, local government autonomy, and greater security decentralization.
Key Issues on the Table
1. State Police & Security Councils
One of the most hotly debated proposals is the creation of state police forces to handle local security threats. This comes amid rising insecurity and widespread belief that federal police alone can’t address regional complexities.
The proposed State Security Council would advise governors on security-related matters in their states.
2. Creation of More Local Governments & States
The Senate is reviewing:
31 proposals for new states
18 proposals for new local government areas (LGAs)
This push is aimed at increasing administrative efficiency and bringing governance closer to the people.
3. Electoral Reforms
Among the electoral reforms under discussion:
Independent candidacy: Allowing Nigerians to contest elections without being tied to political parties.
Diaspora voting: Giving Nigerians abroad the right to vote.
These changes are seen as vital steps toward broader inclusion and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.
4. Fiscal Federalism & Devolution of Powers
Several economic-related constitutional adjustments are being considered:
Moving items like labour, industrial disputes, and minimum wage from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List.
Allowing both federal and state governments to control inland waterways.
Revisiting the revenue derivation formula, a long-standing issue particularly in the oil-producing regions.
5. Gender Equality and Inclusion
Calls for increased women representation, enhanced protection of women’s rights, and reforms in citizenship provisions are also part of the proposals under review.
Citizens’ Participation and Reactions
Civic groups, youth representatives, traditional leaders, and concerned citizens showed up to make oral and written submissions. The hearing provides an opportunity for Nigerians to directly influence how the laws that govern them are shaped.
Participants are urging the Senate to ensure that this effort doesn’t become another “talk shop” and that feedback from the public is reflected in the final amendments.
What Happens Next?
Public hearings are scheduled to take place across other zones in the coming weeks. The House of Representatives is also holding similar engagements.
Once all hearings conclude, the Committee will:
Compile and review all submissions.
Present a draft constitution amendment bill.
Submit the bill to the full Senate and House for deliberation, debate, and voting.
Conclusion
The constitutional review exercise is a critical step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, decentralizing power, and enhancing citizen inclusion. Whether it leads to actual reform depends largely on political will and sustained public pressure.
This is a moment for Nigerians—both home and abroad—to stay informed and involved.
