Senate Public Hearings: Controversy Trails Nigeria’s Constitutional Review

The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution recently concluded a two-day zonal public hearing across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, aimed at capturing the voices of citizens on key governance issues. Led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the hearings took place simultaneously in Lagos, Enugu, Ikot Ekpene, Jos, Maiduguri, and Kano.

However, despite this wide consultation, many stakeholders have raised concerns that this exercise could end up like previous ones gathering dust without real change, as seen with past constitutional reviews.

Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, a legacy of military rule, has faced criticism for fostering a centralized federal system that alienates citizens and stifles innovation. While it has been amended four times in 2000, 2003, 2010, and 2017 additional amendment efforts by past Assemblies have often stalled.

Current debates by the 10th Assembly continue to focus on issues like state police, power devolution, and electoral reform, but skepticism remains over whether these proposals will lead to meaningful, lasting reforms.