The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced plans to convene a national dialogue on Local Government autonomy on Monday, December 2, 2024.
The event, set to take place in Abuja, is aimed at consolidating ideas for a more robust and independent local government framework in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, made this announcement during a committee meeting at the National Assembly complex on Thursday. According to Kalu, the dialogue will serve as a critical platform for discussing constitutional amendments necessary for strengthening local government administration in the country.
“Distinguished colleagues, the upcoming National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment is a vital platform to consolidate ideas and strategies for achieving a robust local government framework, which is critical to our constitutional review efforts,” Kalu said.
He further outlined additional engagements, including public discussions on tax reforms and consultations with political parties, as part of the committee’s broader constitutional review process.
Kalu emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating:
> “As we continue in this historic undertaking, let us remain guided by our shared commitment to strengthening our democracy, deepening our federal structure, and fostering unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.”
Zonal Public Hearings Scheduled for January 2025
In addition to the national dialogue, the committee announced the commencement of zonal public hearings in January 2025. These hearings will take place in 12 states across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The states selected for the hearings are:
North East: Gombe and Borno
North Central: Nasarawa and Niger
North West: Kaduna and Sokoto
South East: Enugu and Imo
South South: Bayelsa and Cross River
South West: Lagos and Ondo
Kalu highlighted the importance of inclusivity in these engagements, urging committee members to collaborate with state caucuses, governors, and state assembly members to ensure the success of the exercise.
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“These public engagements are critical,” Kalu noted. “Committee members from these states should engage their colleagues, governors, and state assembly members to ensure full participation. Stakeholders from all political, religious, and ethnic backgrounds must be included in the process.”
The committee is reviewing 161 areas of the 1999 Constitution and aims to gather diverse perspectives from Nigerians to inform its recommendations.
“This is a lot of work, and it begins in January. We must ensure that all stakeholders’ opinions are adequately represented to make this a thorough and inclusive process,” Kalu added.
The outcomes of the dialogue and public hearings will play a significant role in shaping amendments to the 1999 Constitution, particularly concerning local government autonomy and governance reforms.
