The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has concluded a two-day public hearing for the South-West geo-political zone, with stakeholders presenting far-reaching proposals on governance, labour protection, electoral integrity, and judicial efficiency.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the delegation in Lagos, described the process as a continuation of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, reaffirming that the ongoing review is not symbolic, but a constitutional imperative that takes place every four years under each session of the National Assembly.
“Contrary to popular belief, every previous constitution review has produced tangible outcomes. That is why we now refer to the ‘1999 Constitution as amended.’ The ongoing process is essential to deepening democracy and addressing national concerns such as devolution of powers and electoral reforms,” Bamidele said.
He added that constitutional amendment is intentionally rigorous, requiring two-thirds concurrence of State Houses of Assembly after passage by the National Assembly to ensure broad national consensus.
The hearing attracted active participation from civil society, traditional rulers, professional bodies, youth groups, and labour representatives across all six South-West states.
Among key issues raised was the proposed transfer of labour matters from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List. Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi, vehemently opposed the move, warning it could institutionalize inequality and undermine national wage protection.
“Nigerian workers reject the attempt to remove labour provisions from the Exclusive List. It threatens the existence of a unified national minimum wage system ratified under ILO Convention 026. If allowed, many state governments will suppress labour rights and return workers to slave wages,” Sessi said.
She cited the uneven implementation of the new national minimum wage across states despite increased federal allocations, adding that devolution of labour would further marginalize workers and embolden violators of labour laws.
The NLC also demanded that Chapter Two of the Constitution, which outlines socio-economic rights, be made justiciable, and reiterated the call for full financial autonomy for the judiciary and legislature. The union proposed robust oversight mechanisms and protections for social welfare and pension systems, in line with global best practices.
Youth-Led Electoral Reform Movement presented a five-point reform agenda to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system. Represented by Mr. Ganiu Lawal, the group advocated for reforms including the removal of presidential powers in appointing INEC leadership, establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, resolution of pre-election disputes before inauguration, electronic transmission of results, and truly continuous voter registration.
“We want a system that restores citizens’ confidence in elections. These reforms are essential for fairness, transparency, and accountability,” Lawal said.
Mr. Adeniyi Olutimehin, representing the Yoruba Youth Assembly and Greater Lagos Initiative, called for true federalism and regional autonomy. He proposed the amendment of the Constitution to allow states to control natural resources, generate internal revenue, and oversee sectors such as security, agriculture, and transport.
He also advocated for the establishment of a South-West Regional Development Commission, recognition of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as full local governments, and creation of new states—Ojelu, Lago, and Okiuwu—to enhance administrative equity.
In addition, Olutimehin recommended the constitutional recognition of traditional institutions through a National Royal Council and the granting of functional roles and responsibilities to traditional rulers in governance, cultural preservation, and conflict resolution.
On the justice system, the Lagos Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Babajide Ajibade, SAN, warned that the judiciary will remain hampered without systemic reforms. He proposed the constitutional entrenchment of merit-based judicial appointments and emphasized the need for fiscal accountability in judiciary administration.
“There must be a shift from appointment by tenure to appointment by competence. Supreme Court access must also be restricted to constitutional and high-priority matters to reduce case backlog and speed up justice,” Ajibade said.
He added that unchecked discretion in fund usage by heads of courts has contributed to the rot in the justice system, urging the legislature to introduce binding constitutional reforms to ensure accountability and efficiency.
Senator Bamidele assured participants that all submissions would be carefully compiled and form part of the Committee’s final proposal to the National Assembly. He expressed confidence that the collaboration between legislators and State Assemblies would lead to meaningful constitutional amendments before the end of the year.
“This is not a jamboree. Nigerians have spoken clearly across all zones. The 10th National Assembly is committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and responsive Constitution,” he said.
The Lagos hearing is one of six regional consultations being held nationwide to collate citizens’ inputs in line with democratic principles and the constitutional amendment process.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo