…Deputy Speaker Kalu Announces Zonal Public Hearings, Urges Citizens to Engage in Review Process
The House of Representatives is currently reviewing 86 constitution amendment bills aimed at addressing key governance challenges in Nigeria, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has announced.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, called on Nigerians to actively participate in the ongoing review process by contributing to zonal public hearings scheduled across the country.
“Eighty-six constitution review bills currently under consideration in the House will be presented to the general public in the form of a compressed compendium consisting of a collation of explanatory memoranda, long titles, and a comprehensive exposé of the bills for their inputs,” Kalu said.
He explained that the proposed amendments cover critical areas such as electoral, judicial, and legislative reforms; inclusive governance; security and policing; devolution of powers; fiscal reforms; local government autonomy; and traditional institutions. Other focus areas include citizenship rights, human rights, and the creation of new states and local governments.
To ensure broad participation, Kalu said the committee will hold zonal public hearings in 12 centers across the six geopolitical zones. The hearings for northern zones will take place from July 11 to 13, while the southern zones will host theirs from July 18 to 20. A national public hearing is scheduled for July 21.
“I call on all stakeholders—citizens, civil society organizations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, and interest groups—to actively participate in these hearings,” Kalu urged. “Your contributions are crucial to shaping a constitution that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.”
He encouraged the public to download the summarized compendium of the bills from the committee’s website (www.hccr.gov.ng) for review before the hearings.
“This is an opportunity for Nigerians to critically examine these bills, seek clarifications, and make constructive inputs,” Kalu added. “Together, we can build a more inclusive and effective constitution for our nation.”
