HOUSE LAUNCHES ZONAL HEARINGS ON 1999 CONSTITUTION REVIEW AS DEADLINE FOR FINAL AMENDMENTS NEARS

The House of Representatives has kicked off a nationwide series of public hearings on proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution, with the hearings officially beginning on Thursday, July 11, 2025, across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, confirmed that the zonal sessions will run from July 11 to 20, culminating in a national public hearing on July 21.The hearings mark a pivotal stage in the constitution review process, which the 10th Assembly aims to finalize before December 2025. This timeline will allow the National Assembly to submit the amendments to state houses of assembly for ratification ahead of the 2027 general elections. “We want this process to be inclusive, efficient, and reflective of the aspirations of Nigerians across all walks of life,” Kalu stated. “Every issue—state policing, revenue allocation, local government autonomy, and gender inclusion—is on the table. ”To deepen consultation, the House will also be engaging state governors, traditional rulers, editors, civil society organizations, legal experts, and political parties. Kalu added that the process will prioritize transparency and will include feedback channels through town halls, memoranda, and digital submissions. With constitutional reform at the heart of national conversations, these hearings represent an opportunity for Nigerians to shape the legal foundation of their democracy. The House leadership insists that “no voice will be too small, and no issue too controversial” for the ongoing review.