The Senate has expressed concern that previous amendments to the 1999 Constitution failed to resolve several critical governance issues affecting the Nigerian federation, despite multiple efforts by the National Assembly.
This observation was made on Friday in Lagos during the South-West zonal public hearing on the review of the Constitution, held at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja.
Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, represented by the Senate Leader and Committee Vice Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, said although five rounds of constitutional amendments had been enacted, fundamental issues such as state policing, devolution of powers, and roles for traditional institutions remain unresolved due to lack of consensus, especially at the state level.
Jibrin noted; “Several key proposals failed to secure the required two-thirds majority at state assemblies, despite wide public support. These include provisions on state police, constitutional recognition for traditional rulers, and enhanced powers for subnational governments.”
He emphasized the need to go beyond routine legislative amendments, citing unresolved national concerns around electoral and judicial reforms, local government autonomy, security architecture, gender equity, and inclusive governance.
According to him, the Committee has reviewed hundreds of memoranda received from stakeholders and drafted bills for further public engagement.
“We are here with open minds, seeking constructive input from citizens, guided by integrity and national interest,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, commended the Senate for holding the hearing in Lagos, describing it as a vital platform for citizens to shape Nigeria’s foundational laws.
He stressed the importance of addressing core challenges such as federalism, local government empowerment, electoral and judicial reform, and inclusion of women and youth in governance.
“These issues strike at the heart of our identity as a nation. This review is an opportunity to build a fairer, more equitable and progressive Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also speaking, the Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly and South-West Chairman of the Conference of Speakers, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, pledged the support of state legislatures to the constitution review process.
“We will consider all proposals transmitted to us by the National Assembly strictly in the national interest,” he assured.
The public hearing was attended by prominent traditional rulers from the South-West, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; Ayangburen of Ikorodu; Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye; Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Oba Adewale Shotobi; and Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Oba Adeniyi Ajakaye, among others.
