Nigerian constitution review hearing opens in Lagos with debates on state police, new local governments, and electoral reforms drawing strong public interest
Nigerian constitution review hearing began on Friday in Lagos as the Senate opened a two-day public session to examine significant proposals that could reshape governance in the country.
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The hearing is aimed at reviewing the 1999 Constitution and includes provisions for new local governments, state police, and sweeping electoral reforms.
The hearing is taking place at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, and was declared open by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the South-west Zone Constitution Review Committee.
He emphasised that the process offers every Nigerian a chance to contribute to national dialogue on core issues affecting the country.
“This forum is a democratic platform for Nigerians to have their say on thorny matters impacting the nation’s future,” Bamidele said.
The process follows the establishment of the Constitution Review Committee by the 10th Senate in February 2024.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jubrin with Senator Bamidele as Vice Chairman, comprises 45 members. It has since received proposals covering institutional reforms, policing, fiscal policy, and electoral amendments.
A major highlight of the hearing is the proposal to amend the constitution to permit the creation of state police. If passed, state governments would be authorised to establish their own police forces or security agencies.
Another related proposal includes the establishment of a State Security Council to provide advice to governors on public safety matters.
According to Bamidele, “There’s a clear proposal to establish state police across the federating units. It also includes the formation of a State Security Council, giving governors greater security oversight.”
Also up for consideration is a bill to move labour-related matters—including industrial relations, disputes, and minimum wage from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.
This change would allow both federal and state governments to legislate on such issues.
Another important aspect of the review includes the proposed transfer of jurisdiction over interstate waterways from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List.
If approved, both levels of government would have authority to legislate on shipping and navigation within state boundaries.
On local governance, a new proposal calls for each local government to have at least one representative in the respective State House of Assembly.
This aims to improve representation and ensure that all local areas receive democratic dividends.
In terms of electoral reforms, the hearing has seen lively debates on independent candidacy and diaspora voting.
Citizens living abroad could be granted the right to vote, and individuals not affiliated with political parties could run for office if the proposals succeed.
Another fiscal reform proposal suggests reducing the timeframe within which the President or a state governor can withdraw money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund without an Appropriation Act from six months to three months.
Furthermore, the President and governors would be required to submit their annual budgets within a specified window to improve fiscal discipline.
“The proposals canvass better budgeting timelines and reduced discretionary withdrawals, in order to make fiscal governance more accountable,” Bamidele added.
The hearing also acknowledged a growing number of requests for new states and local government areas. So far, 31 proposals for state creation have been received from all geopolitical zones, with the North-west submitting six and the South-west four. Additionally,
18 requests have been received for new local government areas, with seven from the North-west and one from the South-west.
Notably, the North-west zone’s public hearing was postponed following the death of prominent Kano businessman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata.
Citizens of the Federal Capital Territory have also submitted a proposal seeking official recognition of the FCT as a subnational entity.
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With heated discussions expected to continue throughout the weekend, the Nigerian constitution review hearing is rapidly becoming a focal point for democratic engagement and structural reform in the country.
