President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s institutions, deepening federalism, and safeguarding citizens’ rights.

Mr Tinubu, represented by the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), George Akume, spoke at the national public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in Abuja on Monday.

Mr Tinubu described the review process as a “golden opportunity” for Nigerians to entrench good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development, and urged citizens to actively participate in shaping the supreme law of the land.

“I urge all participants to approach this exercise with a spirit of patriotism, responsibility, and constructive dialogue. The quality of ideas generated here will go a long way in shaping the laws and institutions that will serve generations yet unborn.

“I wish the committee and all stakeholders fruitful deliberations, and I assure you that the outcome of this process will receive the deserved attention as part of our collective quest to build a stronger, more united, and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.

He commended the committee for creating an inclusive platform that engages citizens, civil society, political parties, professional groups, and traditional institutions in the amendment process.

In his remarks, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, described the exercise as a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The speaker stated that Nigerians, not just politicians, must participate in shaping the supreme law of the land.

He assured citizens that the process would not be bogged down by delays, pledging to expedite the passage of the amendments through the National Assembly and to ensure their prompt transmission to the state Houses of Assembly.

“Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure. We intend to vote on the proposals expeditiously and give the states enough time to deliberate and endorse the people’s will,” he said.

The speaker highlighted reserved seats for women in the national and state assemblies, guaranteed representation for persons with disabilities, and gender quotas in ministerial appointments, as well as formal advisory roles for traditional rulers in peacebuilding and community security, among other proposed amendments.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the constitution review committee, said it received and compiled 87 amendment bills from nationwide public hearings, memoranda, and regional engagements.

Mr Kalu said that among the most consequential proposals are electoral reforms, including independent candidacy, an electoral offences commission, and strict timelines for resolving pre-election disputes.

He said the evolution of powers, with a landmark bill to move policing from the exclusive to the concurrent list, paves the way for state and community police, as well as local government autonomy, to ensure financial and administrative independence for grassroots governance.

“The ultimate authority for this process resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria; constitutional reform is a marathon, not a sprint. Your continued engagement is crucial to see this through,” he said.

(NAN)