By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The National Assembly has launched a two-day joint retreat in Lagos to review and finalize proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution. Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin emphasized the legislature’s commitment to delivering people-centered and timely reforms.
This is contained in a statement by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, and made available to journalists.
The retreat brings together members of the Senate and House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitution Review to examine 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation proposals. Lawmakers are tasked with reviewing each proposal “clause by clause” to ensure thorough consideration.
Senator Barau noted that the review process has been ongoing for over two years, with lawmakers engaging constituents, civil society groups, and institutions through town halls, public hearings, and interactive sessions. “This engagement has shaped the comprehensive proposals before us today,” he said.
Highlighting the need for unity, Senator Barau urged committee members to prioritize national interest over partisan differences. “We represent diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic groups, but the Constitution is the shared framework that binds us. Our work must reflect patriotism and the welfare of Nigerians,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the Assembly’s promise to transmit the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of 2025. “It is a challenging task, but with open-minded engagement, we can deliver recommendations that meet constitutional standards and serve the citizens effectively,” he added.
As lawmakers review the extensive list of proposals, the retreat is expected to shape Nigeria’s governance structure, including adjustments in local government administration, state creation, and other key constitutional provisions, signaling a decisive step toward long-awaited reform.
