New Constitution Will Be Ready In 2025 – Reps
The amendment to the Nigerian 1999 Constitution is set to be completed and ready for presidential assent in August 2025, according to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Hon. Benjamin Kalu. Speaking at a press conference held by the Committee on Constitution Review in Abuja, Kalu outlined the timeline for the process.
He mentioned that the first draft report of the ongoing review of the 1999 constitution is expected to be ready in August 2024. Subsequently, the second draft will be released in October 2024, followed by zonal inputs from lawmakers.
The final version or last draft copy of the Constitution is anticipated to be prepared thereafter.Kalu expressed hope for the harmonization of issues by February 2025, during a technical working retreat involving the Senate and the House of Representatives.
He projected that by March 17, 2025, the harmonized documents would be considered in the House. The final copies of draft amendments are expected to be produced by April 2025.The timeline further indicates that by May 12, 2025, the final clean copy of amendments bills will be agreed upon.
This will be followed by the laying of the final report for consideration and voting by members on May 22, 2025.Kalu emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline, stating that any delay beyond August 2025 is unlikely. He expressed confidence that by August 2025, the bills would be transmitted to the President for assent
.Additionally, Kalu called for the submission of memoranda from various interest groups, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Labour Unions, relevant government institutions, and the general public.
These inputs will aid the committee’s work across thematic areas such as Federal Structure and Power Devolution, Electoral Reforms, Socio-economic and Cultural Rights, and others outlined in Chapter 2 of the constitution.
Among the issues to be addressed are Federal Structure and Power Devolution, Local Government Autonomy, Public Revenue Allocation, Judicial and Electoral Reforms, Socio-economic and Cultural Rights, and Traditional Institutions. Other areas of focus include Gender Issues, Strengthening the Independence of Oversight Institutions, Residency and Indigene Provisions, Immunity, and the Process of State Creation.
With these steps and commitments outlined, the process of constitutional amendment in Nigeria appears to be on track for completion by 2025, pending any unforeseen circumstances.Credit: Leadership newspaper