President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s backing for the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, describing the exercise as vital to strengthening Nigeria’s institutions, deepening democracy, and guaranteeing justice for all citizens.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the National Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Abuja, Tinubu said the process was a “golden opportunity” to entrench good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is not static, but a living document that must continually respond to the realities, aspirations, and challenges of our people,” the President stated, adding that the review was in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President commended the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, for creating an inclusive platform to engage citizens, political parties, civil society, professional groups, and traditional institutions. He urged Nigerians to contribute with patriotism and responsibility. “The quality of ideas generated will help shape laws and institutions for future generations,” he said.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, described the public hearing as “a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” assuring that the legislature would expedite the amendment process to avoid unnecessary delays. Among the proposals under consideration are reserved seats for women, guaranteed representation for persons with disabilities, and advisory roles for traditional rulers in peacebuilding.
Deputy Speaker Kalu disclosed that 87 amendment bills had been compiled from nationwide consultations, covering electoral reforms, devolution of powers to enable state and community policing, and local government autonomy. He emphasized that these proposals came from citizens’ demands, not legislative imposition. “The ultimate authority for this process resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria,” Kalu said.
Both Tinubu and the National Assembly leadership pledged that the constitutional review would be transparent and free from political manipulation. If approved by at least 24 state assemblies, the reforms could mark Nigeria’s most sweeping constitutional changes since 1999, reshaping governance, security, and democratic accountability for generations to come.
