Constitution Review: Nigerians Have Spoken Loud and Clear — Senate Committee Assures Action on Demands

The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has assured Nigerians that their voices have been heard “loud and clear” and that every concern raised during the recently concluded public hearings would be carefully considered in the ongoing amendment process.

Speaking at the conclusion of the South-West Zonal Public Hearing held in Ikeja, Lagos, Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, emphasized the Senate’s commitment to reflecting the will of the people in the constitutional review. Barau was represented at the hearing by the committee’s Vice Chairman and Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

Senator Barau noted that the committee would collate all submissions received during the hearings and report back to the full Senate for deliberation. He further disclosed that the final draft of the constitutional amendments would be transmitted to the various State Houses of Assembly for ratification before the end of 2025, in line with the legislative timetable.

“We have heard Nigerians very loud and clear, and we are going to Abuja to file our report and conclude this process,” Barau said.

“Part of our timetable is that before the end of the year, a final notification as a proposal will be sent to the State House of Assembly so that we can round up the process without further delay.”

Addressing journalists, Senator Barau highlighted the top concerns raised during the South-West hearing. These include state creation, state police, electoral and judicial reforms, resource control, devolution of powers, and special legislative seats for women.

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He emphasized that the public hearings were not mere formalities but serious engagements with Nigerian citizens across all demographics.

“The whole essence is to ensure that the constitution is not changed without the popular consensus of Nigerians,” he stated. “I want to assure you that something meaningful will also come out of this, just like it has in the past.”

Barau pointed to the electoral reforms achieved in previous constitutional amendments as examples of how past efforts have produced tangible improvements in governance and democracy.

“We are looking to address lots of issues raised by the youth, the women, the traditional rulers, the professionals, and other stakeholders for good governance and a better Nigeria,” he added.

The public hearing attracted wide participation from various interest groups, including students’ associations, women’s organisations, civil society, professional bodies, and traditional rulers.

Senator Barau also outlined the key thematic areas of the constitutional review process. These include:

• Fundamental human rights and freedoms
• Electoral system and reforms
• Federalism and resource control
• Judicial and institutional reforms
• Security and policing
• Devolution of powers
• Fiscal reforms
• Inclusive governance
• Creation of new states

He concluded by assuring that the Senate remains committed to participatory lawmaking and building a democratic system that reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians.