The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has laid out a comprehensive plan to engage key stakeholders in the ongoing amendment of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, with a focus on transparency and inclusivity.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the committee, revealed that a follow-up meeting with the Nigerian Governors Forum is scheduled for July 23, 2025. “The second meeting/engagement with the Nigerian Governors Forum is expected to be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, to present to them the bills currently under consideration secure buy-in and backing for the passage of contentious bills,” Kalu said.
A joint retreat involving Senate and House Constitution Review members alongside Speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly will take place from September 25 to 28, 2025, to harmonize the bills.
The committee will also engage media executives from July 8-9, 2025, to facilitate public education and discourse on constitutional issues. “The media can play a vital role in ensuring the constitution review process is inclusive, transparent, and the public is well-informed,” Kalu emphasized.
On June 20, 2025, a diplomatic dinner will be held to solicit support from the international community on thematic areas such as gender, security architecture, and state policing reforms. Civil society organizations will be involved during the National Assembly Open Week on July 3, 2025.
Public hearings on 87 prioritized bills will be conducted in the six geopolitical zones, with northern zones holding theirs from July 11-13 and southern zones from July 18-20. A national hearing is planned for July 21, followed by an engagement with the 18 registered political parties on July 14.
The committee anticipates a one-week plenary debate on the bills, with voting scheduled for October 14, 2025. The bills will then be transmitted to State Assemblies by October 30, 2025, advancing the constitutional review process.