Nigeria constitution review hearings to begin nationwide as lawmakers urge inclusive participation for meaningful reform and lasting national impact
Nigeria constitution review hearings are set to commence across the six geo-political zones of the country, following the release of an official schedule by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.
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The move marks a renewed effort to gather grassroots input into the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, emphasised that the review process must reflect the desires and expectations of every Nigerian.
“In line with the preamble of our Constitution, which begins with ‘We the People of Nigeria,’ this process is designed to be people-centred,” he said.
The zonal public hearings will take place in two distinct phases. The first phase, targeting the northern zones, is scheduled from Friday, 11 July to Sunday, 13 July 2025.
The second phase will focus on the southern zones, running from Friday, 18 July to Sunday, 20 July 2025.
A national public hearing will cap the process on Monday, 21 July 2025 in Abuja.
To make the exercise accessible and participatory, venues have been strategically chosen across all zones. For the North Central region, hearings will be held in Minna and Lafia. Kaduna and Sokoto will host events for the North West.
In the North East, Gombe and Maiduguri have been selected.
Southern zones will see hearings in Yenagoa and Calabar for the South South. Enugu and Owerri will serve the South East, while Lagos and Akure will accommodate attendees from the South West. Each venue will host stakeholders from surrounding states.
In preparation for the hearings, the committee has released a simplified compendium of all constitutional amendment bills under review.
The document highlights major thematic areas and breaks down legislative language for the general public. It is available for free download at [www.hccr.gov.ng](http://www.hccr.gov.ng).
“This compendium is a tool for enlightenment, designed to demystify legislative language,” Kalu said.
“We want Nigerians to understand the issues, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully.”
The committee identified key areas of focus such as electoral and judicial reforms, local government autonomy, devolution of powers, security architecture, and the role of traditional institutions.
Other critical topics include gender equity, inclusive governance, and the potential creation of new states and Local Government Areas.
Kalu reiterated the importance of gender representation, noting that relevant issues are not treated in isolation but are instead woven into broader policy frameworks to ensure equity.
He called upon journalists and media practitioners to aid in public sensitisation. “We are not just 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,” he stated.
In response to concerns about the effectiveness of previous constitutional reforms, Kalu responded with optimism.
“Reform is not a one-off event. It is an investment in justice, equity, and national development.
Through past efforts, we’ve seen significant gains, such as the devolution of powers in energy, transport, and telecommunications.”
A passionate appeal was also made to Nigerians from all walks of life to actively participate.
This includes civil society organisations, youth and women groups, faith-based bodies, traditional rulers, and professionals.
“Don’t sit on the fence. If you don’t participate now, don’t complain later,” he urged.
“The Constitution belongs to all of us, and together we can shape a document that reflects the true aspirations of our nation.”
As the Nigeria constitution review hearings approach, citizens have a rare opportunity to influence the foundational legal document of their country.
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The process promises to be one of the most inclusive legislative exercises in the nation’s democratic journey.
