The Senate has commenced a nationwide public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), with the South-West zonal session kicking off in Lagos on Friday, July 5, 2025.
The hearing, aimed at gathering public input on critical proposals such as the creation of additional local governments, the establishment of state police, and major electoral and fiscal reforms, is taking place at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Leader of the Senate and South-West Zonal Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said the two-day forum would enable Nigerians to engage constructively on issues affecting the structure and future of the country.
Bamidele recalled that the 10th Senate constituted the Constitution Review Committee on February 14, 2024. The 45-member committee is chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jubrin, with Bamidele serving as Vice Chairman. Since its inauguration, the committee has received numerous proposals addressing inclusive governance, institutional restructuring, national security, judicial reforms, local government administration, and electoral processes.
Among the proposals is the call for constitutional backing for state police and the creation of state security councils to advise governors on internal security matters. There is also a push to decentralize labour matters, industrial relations, and minimum wage administration by moving them from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, thereby giving states legislative powers in these areas.
Other recommendations seek to grant states authority to legislate on shipping and navigation on interstate waterways, currently under exclusive federal control. Additionally, there is a proposed amendment to guarantee that each local government is represented in the state assembly to promote equity and grassroots inclusion.
On the electoral front, citizens have called for the recognition of independent candidates in elections and for Nigerians living abroad to be allowed to vote. The proposals also suggest reforms to improve fiscal discipline, such as mandating timelines for the President and State Governors to present appropriation bills and limiting their powers to withdraw funds from the Consolidated Revenue Fund in the absence of an appropriation act from six months to three.
The committee has also received a proposal urged political parties to resolve internal disputes arising from primaries and other pre-election activities internally before resorting to legal action, in a bid to decongest the courts and strengthen party structures.
In terms of structure, Bamidele revealed that 32 proposals have been submitted for the creation of new states, and 18 for additional local government areas across the six geopolitical zones. He noted that the committee is committed to thoroughly reviewing each submission in line with the aspirations of Nigerians.
The scheduled hearing in the North-West was postponed following the passing of prominent Kano businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, last Saturday.
Bamidele assured that the Senate remains committed to an inclusive and transparent review process that reflects the voices and priorities of citizens across the country.
