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..12 Centres Across Six Geo-political Zones to Host Public Hearings
By Tracy racy Moses
The House of Representatives has unveiled a comprehensive schedule for zonal public hearings across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman, House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie 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,” Kalu stated. “We are taking democracy to the doorsteps of every Nigerian to ensure that no voice is left unheard.”
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.
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,” Kalu said. “We want Nigerians to understand the issues, ask questions, and contribute meaningfully.”
Key focus 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 LGAs.
He stressed that gender issues are deliberately embedded within broader themes to ensure inclusivity and equality in governance.
Kalu lauded the role of the media in promoting transparency and civic participation, noting that journalists were the first to receive the compendium in recognition of their role as watchdogs of democracy.
“We are not just inviting the media; we are involving you,” he said. “Without the media, there is no transparency. Your role is critical to the success of this reform process.”
He disclosed plans to convene special engagements with media stakeholders and editors to enhance coverage and clarify the intent of the ongoing review.
Addressing skepticism over the impact of past constitution review efforts, the Deputy Speaker emphasized that constitutional reform is a dynamic and necessary process in every evolving democracy.
“Reform is not a one-off event. It is an investment in justice, equity, and national development,” Kalu argued. “Through past efforts, we’ve seen significant gains, such as the devolution of powers in the areas of energy, transport, and telecommunications.”
He noted that issues such as decentralized policing and greater female participation in politics require constitutional backing, which this current review aims to provide.
Kalu issued a passionate appeal to Nigerians across all sectors, civil society, traditional rulers, youth groups, women organizations, faith-based institutions, and professionals, not to remain passive in this historic process.
“Don’t sit on the fence. If you don’t participate now, don’t complain later,” he warned. “The Constitution belongs to all of us, and together we can shape a document that reflects the true aspirations of our nation.”
The Deputy Speaker concluded by reaffirming the House’s commitment to an inclusive, transparent, and accountable review process as he fielded questions from the press