The Nigeria State Legislatures, under the auspices of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, has wrapped up a two-day workshop in Lagos, where they highlighted key issues in the ongoing constitution review.
The workshop which was rounded off late Friday night provided a platform for lawmakers comprising Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Majority Leaders to discuss and identify critical areas that require amendment in the country’s constitution.
Some of the key issues highlighted include:
Federal Restructuring- Devolution of powers and greater autonomy for regions, Local Government Autonomy: Ensuring democratic local government and financial independence and Revenue Allocation: Reviewing the current revenue sharing formula, Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom: Safeguarding individual rights and liberties, as well as Economic and Social Rights: Ensuring access to basic necessities like healthcare, education, and social welfare
Others are State Police: Establishing state police forces to address security challenges, Electoral Reforms: Enhancing the quality of elections in Nigeria, Judicial Reforms: Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Promoting equal rights and opportunities for women.
The day two of the workshop featured a series of presentations, including “Key issues in the 2025 constitution review”, “A history of constitution reviews in Nigeria: the necessity, successes, and lessons”, “Fiscal Federalism and Local Government Autonomy: The Political Economy of Constitution reviews”, and “Collaboration between the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly during Constitution reviews: Challenges and Lessons for the future”.
Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kannike, SAN, Acting Director, Department of Legislative Support Services, NILDS, and Prof. Adetunji Ogunyemi, Professor of Economic History, OAU, Ile Ife handled the topics of the presentations.
They emphasized the need for well-structured and impactful reforms to address Nigeria’s governance challenges.
They advised state legislatures to actively contribute to the review process, ensuring that the amendments reflect the aspirations and interests of all Nigerians, regardless of region, ethnicity, or socio-economic background.
The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin stated that the 2-day workshop was aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting legislative excellence.
He said the second day of the workshop which centered on the ongoing constitution review was aimed at enhancing the understanding of state lawmakers on the constitution review process.
Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin added, “We are committed to actively contributing our quota to the constitution review process. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the amendments reflect the aspirations and interests of all Nigerians. We will also collaborate with the National Assembly to ensure accelerated review and assent of the amended constitution. We believe that this will lead to a more inclusive, just, and efficient governance system that meets the aspirations of all Nigerians.”
The workshop was supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, KAS and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS which are working to strengthen legislative institutions in Nigeria.
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