The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, in partnership with the National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee, on Thursday held a town hall on proposed Constitution Amendment Bills, aimed at deepening democratic reforms ahead of legislative voting.
The session, themed “The Constitution Amendment Proposals Ahead of Legislative Voting,” brought together lawmakers, civil society groups and stakeholders to review key reform areas.
House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere said the process reflects the 10th Assembly’s commitment to inclusive and responsive governance.
“We are committed to ensuring these reforms are robust, inclusive, and reflective of the true aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Key proposals under review include special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, electoral reforms, state policing, fiscal federalism, and local government restructuring.
The committee is also considering 55 requests for state creation and 278 proposals for new local governments.
Executive Director of PLAC Clement Nwankwo urged lawmakers to align reforms with evolving public expectations.
He stressed the need to address gender imbalance, calling for passage of the Special Seats Bill. “Greater representation of women is critical to strengthening our institutions,” he said.
Stakeholders also pushed for broader inclusion, with advocates for persons with disabilities calling for stronger representation and policy protections.
Concerns were raised over proposals for state policing, while others called for the autonomy of the Office of the Auditor General and reforms to the appointment process of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Participants said the town hall provides a platform for citizens’ input before final legislative decisions.
House leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a transparent and citizen-driven amendment process aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
