The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is set to deliberate on draft bills in the final two weeks of September 2024. These bills have been put forth for amendments and modifications to the current 1999 Constitution.
Earlier this year, it was disclosed that the Committee had received a significant number of memoranda and bills, totaling 305 and 112 respectively. These submissions cover various critical governance issues like fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, power devolution, and the status of the Federal Capital Territory.
While an exact date for the review is yet to be confirmed, the Committee will convene to receive updates from its consultants on the progress made thus far. The upcoming meeting in September is crucial as it sets the stage for the approval of the initial constitutional draft proposal.
The Committee member emphasized the importance of each memorandum and bill, stating that prioritization had been done to ensure all submissions are given due consideration. The upcoming meeting aims to discuss the draft bills and strategize for an efficient process before finalizing the first draft proposal.
Key topics to be addressed in the proposal include state police, local government autonomy, electoral reforms, power decentralization, and resource control, reflecting issues of significance to Nigerians.
Experts in different fields have been engaged to facilitate the process, considering the unique challenges faced by the Nigerian state. The Committee is optimistic about the success of the exercise and has enlisted the expertise of respected individuals to handle specific thematic areas within the bills and memoranda.
The member urged patience from Nigerians, highlighting that constitutional amendments require a comprehensive approach beyond emotions. Ultimately, the support of two-thirds of State Assemblies is needed to proceed with any agreed-upon amendments, emphasizing the importance of engaging with local representatives for a robust constitutional outcome.