By Balarabe Alkassim, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that his administration is committed to constitutional reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s institutions, promote justice, and guarantee fundamental rights.
He stated this in an address at the National Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held in Abuja on Monday.
President Tinubu who spoke through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the exercise as a “golden opportunity” to advance democracy and nation-building.
He called on Nigerians to actively participate in the ongoing constitutional review process, describing it as a historic opportunity to entrench good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
The President commended the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Rep.Benjamin Okezie Kalu for creating an inclusive platform that engages citizens, civil society, political parties, professional groups, and traditional institutions in the amendment process.
He said, “The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is not static, but a living document that must continually respond to the realities, aspirations, and challenges of our people”.
He emphasised that the ongoing review must aim to deepen federalism, entrench equity and accountability, and provide Nigerians with stronger democratic institutions that safeguard their freedoms.
President Tinubu maintained that the constitution review aligned with his administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ which he said seeks to deliver good governance, social justice, and economic transformation across the country.
He assured that his government would continue to support reforms that give meaning to participatory democracy and advance national unity.
The President added, “I urge all participants to approach this exercise with a spirit of patriotism, responsibility, and constructive dialogue. The quality of ideas generated here will go a long way in shaping the laws and institutions that will serve generations yet unborn.
“I wish the committee and all stakeholders fruitful deliberations, and I assure you that the outcome of this process will receive the deserved attention as part of our collective quest to build a stronger, more united, and prosperous Nigeria”.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen and his Deputy, Rep. Benjamin Kalu have unveiled far-reaching proposals at the National Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, who formally declared the hearing open, described the exercise as a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey adding that, Nigerians themselves—not just politicians—must shape the supreme law of the land.
He assured that the process would not be bogged down by delays, promising expedited passage of the amendments through the National Assembly and prompt transmission to State Assemblies.
He said, “Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure. We intend to vote on the proposals expeditiously and give the States enough time to deliberate and endorse the people’s will”.
He highlighted several transformative amendments under consideration which include others ‘Reserved seats for women in the National and State Assemblies’ which was aimed at accelerating gender inclusion and addressing Nigeria’s dismal five percent female representation in parliament.
Others include; Guaranteed representation for persons with disabilities, alongside gender quotas in ministerial appointments; Formal advisory roles for traditional rulers in peacebuilding and community security.
According to him, such reforms would make Nigeria’s democracy more representative, responsive, and just.
Speaker Abbas further noted that many proposals align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, providing the “legal chassis” for reforms in security, economic revitalisation, inclusivity, and transparent governance.
In his address earlier, the Deputy Speaker who is also the Chairman of the House Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, underscored the depth of consultations that informed the process.
He disclosed that the committee received and compiled 87 amendment bills from nationwide public hearings, memoranda, and regional engagements.
He noted that among the most consequential proposals are: Electoral reforms, including independent candidacy, an Electoral Offences Commission, and strict timelines for pre-election dispute resolution.
Others include; Devolution of powers, with a landmark bill to move policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List, paving the way for state and community police; Local government autonomy, ensuring financial and administrative independence for grassroots governance.
Kalu emphasised that the proposals were not legislative impositions but the “thought-out demands and memoranda of the Nigerian people themselves.”
The deputy speaker added, “The ultimate authority for this process resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria,” the Deputy Speaker said. “Constitutional reform is a marathon, not a sprint. Your continued engagement is crucial to see this through.”
The Speaker and his Deputy, assured Nigerians that the process would be transparent, participatory, and shielded from political manipulation. they pledged that, the final harmonised version of the amendments, will be published before voting in plenary.
They also urged citizens to hold their lawmakers accountable and engage State Assemblies to prevent reforms from being diluted or discarded.
Speaker Abbas called on stakeholders—including civil society, labour unions, traditional rulers, youth, women, and the media—to present clear, solution-driven positions at the hearing.
He said, “By improving our constitution, we write a new chapter in our national story. Let it be remembered that we chose courage over caution, unity over discord, and posterity over short-term politics”.
The hearing marks the final stage of public consultation before the National Assembly begins voting on the 87 proposed amendments.
If passed and ratified by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, Nigeria could soon witness its most sweeping constitutional overhaul since 1999—reshaping its governance, security, inclusivity, and democratic accountability for generations to come.
