House of Reps releases zonal hearing timetable for constitution review
House of Reps releases zonal hearing timetable for constitution review
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Wednesday released a schedule for zonal public hearings across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, emphasised that the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution must reflect the collective will and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“Staying true to the preamble of our Constitution, which begins with ‘We the People of Nigeria,’ this review process is intentionally people-focused,” Kalu stated.
“We are bringing democracy to the doorstep of every Nigerian to ensure that no voice goes unheard,” he added.
According to the schedule, the public hearings would be conducted in two phases.
The first phase, covering the northern zones, would be held from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, while the second phase, covering the southern zones, was slated for Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025.
A national public hearing was scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, in Abuja.
In the North Central region, public hearings will be held in Minna (for Niger, Kwara, and Kogi states) and Lafia (for Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and the FCT).
The North West will host sessions in Kaduna (for Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States) and Sokoto (for Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states).
For the North East, hearings will be held in Gombe (for Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states), and Maiduguri (for Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states).
In the South-South, sessions are scheduled for Yenagoa (covering Bayelsa, Edo, and Delta states), and Calabar (for Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom states).
In the South-East, Enugu will host Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi states, while Owerri will serve Imo and Abia states.
The South-West hearings will be held in Lagos (for Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states), and Akure (for Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti states).
To facilitate meaningful public engagement, Kalu announced the release of a simplified compendium of all constitution amendment bills currently under consideration.
The document outlines key thematic areas, including long titles and highlights of proposed amendments, and is available for download at
www.hccr.gov.ng.
“This compendium is a tool for enlightenment, designed to demystify legislative language. We want Nigerians to understand the issues, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully,” he said.
Key thematic areas include electoral and judicial reforms, legislative efficiency, devolution of powers, strengthening of institutions, fiscal federalism, inclusive governance, gender equity, local government autonomy, security architecture, traditional institutions, and the creation of new states and local government areas.
He emphasised that gender issues were deliberately embedded within broader themes to ensure inclusivity and equality in governance.
He called on the press to play an active role in sensitising Nigerians.
“We are not just inviting the media; we are involving you. Without the media, there is no transparency. Your role is critical to the success of this reform process,” he said.
On scepticism over the impact of past constitution review efforts, Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, said, “Reform is not a one-off event. It is an investment in justice, equity, and national development.
“Previous efforts have yielded notable progress, including the decentralisation of powers in sectors like energy, transport, and telecommunications,” Kalu said.
He urged Nigerians—civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth organisations, women’s groups, faith-based institutions, and professionals alike—not to remain passive during this process.
“Don’t stay on the sidelines. If you don’t get involved now, don’t complain later.
The constitution belongs to all of us, and together we have the power to craft a document that truly reflects the hopes and aspirations of our nation,” he added.
