As part of the ongoing national efforts to review and amend the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Kaduna State Government will today play host to the North-West Zonal Public Hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.
This significant regional engagement is scheduled to hold at the Conference Hall of the Hassan Usman Katsina House in Kawo, Kaduna. The public hearing forms part of the broader constitutional amendment process being conducted across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The goal is to collate diverse views from citizens, interest groups, traditional institutions, and government representatives on key areas of the Nigerian Constitution that require reform.
According to a statement released on Thursday by Malam Ibraheem Musa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, the hearing will serve as a platform for states within the North-West zone to present their recommendations, grievances, and expectations concerning the constitutional framework that governs Nigeria.
Delegations from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States are expected to be in attendance and will be given the opportunity to make formal presentations.
These delegations may include lawmakers, civil society representatives, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, and other relevant stakeholders.
The hearing will provide an open forum where regional peculiarities and issues can be addressed within the context of national unity and democratic development.
Governor Uba Sani, who is billed to be the chief host of the event, will deliver the opening remarks. He is expected to highlight the importance of the constitutional review process, particularly as it relates to issues such as devolution of powers, restructuring, revenue allocation, state policing, electoral reforms, gender inclusion, and the rights of minority groups.
Furthermore, the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Liman, will deliver a presentation on behalf of the Kaduna State Government.
His presentation is anticipated to reflect the aspirations of the state’s citizens and the legislative priorities of the Assembly with regard to constitutional reforms.
The zonal hearing underscores the House of Representatives’ commitment to inclusive governance, participatory democracy, and federalism. It aims to ensure that the voices of Nigerians from all parts of the country are considered in shaping a Constitution that meets contemporary realities and addresses the needs of the people.
Malam Musa emphasized in the statement that the Kaduna State Government fully supports the constitution review initiative and is committed to facilitating a peaceful and constructive dialogue during the hearing.
He encouraged participants to engage meaningfully, noting that their contributions would go a long way in influencing the final recommendations to the National Assembly.
In addition to the delegates from other states, Kaduna-based civil society groups, legal experts, religious leaders, and members of the academic community are also expected to attend and contribute to the dialogue.
This public hearing marks a critical milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, offering a rare opportunity for ordinary citizens and local stakeholders to shape the fundamental legal and institutional architecture of the nation.