The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Wednesday, unveiled a schedule guide for zonal public hearings across the six geo-political zones of the country.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, the Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, said that the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution must reflect the collective will and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“In line with the preamble of our Constitution, which begins with ‘We the People of Nigeria,’ this process is designed to be people-centered.
According to the schedule, the public hearings will be conducted in two phases.
The first phase, covering the northern zones, will hold from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, 2025, while the second phase, covering the southern zones, is slated for Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025.
A national public hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 21, 2025, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Zonal Hearing Centres
In the North Central region, public hearings will hold 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, ” Kalu said.
It was stated that 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 creation of new states and Local Government Areas.
He emphasised that gender issues are 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, saying, “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.”
On skepticism over the impact of past constitution review efforts, Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State said, “Reform is not a one-off event. It is an investment in justice, equity, and national development.
“Through past efforts, we’ve seen significant gains, such as the devolution of powers in the areas of energy, transport, and telecommunications.”
Kalu also issued a passionate appeal to Nigerians including civil society groups, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organisations, faith-based institutions, and professionals, not to remain passive in the exercise.
“Don’t sit on the fence. If you don’t participate now, don’t complain later.
“The Constitution belongs to all of us, and together we can shape a document that reflects the true aspirations of our nation,” he added.
