In a major step toward constitutional reform, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on Wednesday unveiled a compendium of 86 bills currently under consideration for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, alongside other members of the committee, Kalu emphasized the importance of public engagement in the reform process. The unveiled document, which contains explanatory memoranda, long titles, and detailed analyses of each bill, is intended to serve as a reference for stakeholders and citizens ahead of the upcoming nationwide public hearings.
According to Kalu, the 86 proposed bills are organized into 13 thematic areas: Electoral Reforms, Judicial Reforms, Legislature, Inclusive Governance, Security and Policing, Devolution of Powers, Strengthening of Institutions, Traditional Institutions, Fiscal Reforms, Citizenship and Indigeneship, Fundamental Human Rights, Local Government Reform, and the Creation of States and Local Governments.
“These bills, sponsored by Members of the House, are part of the legislative effort to address pressing developmental challenges affecting governance in Nigeria,” Kalu said. “The summarized compendium aims to guide citizens in understanding the proposed amendments, provide feedback on their memoranda, and contribute meaningfully to the reform process.”
To deepen citizen participation, the Committee will hold zonal public hearings in 12 centers across the six geopolitical zones of the country. The northern hearings will hold from July 11 to July 13, 2025, while the southern zones will have their sessions from July 18 to July 20, 2025. A National Public Hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025.
“These hearings are open platforms for civil society organizations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, and other interest groups to express their views,” Kalu stated. “The House is committed to a transparent, inclusive, and participatory constitutional review process.”
The Deputy Speaker urged Nigerians to download the compendium from www.hccr.gov.ng, study the proposals, and actively participate in the public hearings to ensure that the amended constitution reflected the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
