The House of Representatives Committee on the 1999 Constitution (as amended) is set to host a landmark national dialogue on local government autonomy on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Abuja. This highly anticipated event aims to bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop strategies for strengthening local government administration across Nigeria. By fostering a robust discourse, the dialogue seeks to address the long-standing challenges of grassroots governance and lay the foundation for a more effective and autonomous local government system.
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, announced the dialogue during a panel meeting at the National Assembly complex. Describing the event as a cornerstone of the ongoing constitutional review process, Kalu emphasized the importance of creating an independent and functional local government framework. “This dialogue will serve as a platform for impactful discussions that are vital to our constitutional amendment efforts,” Kalu stated. This initiative underscores the House’s commitment to reshaping Nigeria’s governance structure for greater inclusivity and improved service delivery.
House of Representatives: Zonal Public Hearings Slated for January 2025
In addition to the national dialogue, the committee of House of Representatives is set to commence zonal public hearings in January 2025. These hearings aim to gather diverse opinions from stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The engagements will take place in 12 states, with two states representing each zone.
The selected states include Gombe and Borno (North East), Nassarawa and Niger (North Central), Kaduna and Sokoto (North West), Enugu and Imo (South East), Bayelsa and Cross River (South South), and Lagos and Ondo (South West). The hearings underscore the committee’s commitment to inclusivity in shaping the nation’s constitutional future.
House of Representatives: Inclusivity at the Forefront of Engagements
Deputy Speaker Kalu stressed the importance of ensuring all voices are heard during these critical discussions. He urged committee members to collaborate with their state caucuses, governors, and house of assembly members to maximize participation.
“No stakeholder should be excluded,” Kalu asserted. “Our engagement list must reflect the diversity of Nigeria, cutting across political parties, religious groups, and ethnic affiliations. We aim to create a platform where every Nigerian can voice their opinions on the 161 constitutional areas under review.”
House of Representatives: Strategic Planning for Comprehensive Public Participation
To facilitate effective participation, Kalu called for localized planning by representatives from the designated states. Members are expected to draft stakeholder engagement plans tailored to their regions, which will be integrated into the committee’s broader strategy.
“We expect full halls and comprehensive stakeholder representation during these hearings,” Kalu said. He also highlighted the need for pre-itemized opinions to streamline presentations and ensure constructive contributions during the sessions.
House of Representatives: Focus on Strengthening Democracy and Federalism
The Deputy Speaker emphasized that the dialogue and public hearings align with the broader goal of deepening Nigeria’s democratic and federal structures. He noted that local government autonomy is critical to fostering unity, prosperity, and good governance.
“This process reflects our shared commitment to strengthening democracy and enhancing the federal system,” Kalu remarked. The efforts are also part of a larger constitutional amendment drive that includes discussions on tax reforms and political party regulations.
A Milestone in Nigeria’s Constitutional Evolution: The Path to Local Government Reforms
The upcoming national dialogue and zonal hearings signify a watershed moment in Nigeria’s constitutional history, focusing on local government autonomy. By prioritizing inclusivity and widespread participation, the House of Representatives Committee is addressing systemic issues that have long hindered effective governance at the grassroots level. This initiative seeks to empower local governments, ensuring they operate independently and effectively contribute to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. The effort demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gap between federal oversight and local administration, fostering a more equitable distribution of power and resources.
As preparations intensify, the December 2 dialogue in Abuja emerges as the focal point of these transformative reforms. This event is expected to lay the groundwork for a robust framework that redefines local government operations nationwide. The subsequent zonal hearings scheduled for January 2025 will provide stakeholders across the six geopolitical zones an opportunity to shape this critical aspect of governance. Together, these engagements aim to build a more inclusive, democratic, and functional system that strengthens the nation’s federal structure and enhances the delivery of services to citizens at the grassroots level.
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