The House of Representatives has launched a fresh effort to amend the 1999 Constitution, with a strong focus on creating state police, enhancing local government autonomy, and pushing for legislation that supports women’s rights and representation. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas officially inaugurated the Constitution Review Committee on Thursday, outlining key priorities meant to address pressing national concerns.
Abbas emphasized that decentralizing the police structure is crucial in the face of Nigeria’s growing security challenges. According to him, introducing state police would significantly improve the country’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to security threats at the grassroots level. He also highlighted the need to restructure the local government system to give it greater financial and administrative independence.
Another major focus is the passage of gender-sensitive bills that were previously rejected during the last constitutional review. Speaker Abbas called on the committee to ensure those bills are revisited and given proper attention, stating that empowering women is vital for Nigeria’s democratic and economic progress.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the review committee, assured Nigerians that this amendment exercise will be inclusive, transparent, and focused on strengthening the nation’s democratic foundations. He noted that public engagement and input from all regions will play a critical role in the process. The committee is expected to work closely with stakeholders to craft reforms that reflect the will and aspirations of the people.
