The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has concluded a two-day workshop in Lagos, focusing on key issues in the ongoing constitution review.
The workshop, which ended late Friday night (yesterday), brought together Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Majority Leaders to deliberate on critical areas requiring constitutional amendments.
Westernmirror.com.ng reports that some of their key resolutions include Devolution of Powers; Advocating for federal restructuring to grant greater autonomy to regions, State Police; Supporting the establishment of state police forces to address security challenges, and Financial Autonomy; Ensuring financial independence for local governments to promote democratic governance.
Other key resolutions include Revenue Allocation; Calling for a review of the current revenue-sharing formula to ensure fairness and equity, Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; Emphasizing the protection of individual rights and liberties, Economic and Social Rights; Advocating for improved access to basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and social welfare.
Also part of the major resolutions are Electoral Reforms; Enhancing the quality and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, Judicial Reforms; Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system, Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Promoting equal rights and opportunities for women in governance.
Day-2 of the workshop featured presentations which include key issues in the 2025 Constitution Review, a history of Constitution Reviews in Nigeria, 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.
These sessions were led by Prof. Abiodun Amuda-Kannike SAN, Acting Director, Department of Legislative Support Services, NILDS, and Prof. Adetunji Ogunyemi, Professor of Economic History, OAU, Ile Ife, who stressed the importance of impactful reforms to address Nigeria’s governance challenges.
The Chairman of the Conference, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, in his address reiterated the commitment of state legislatures to actively contribute to the constitutional review process.
He emphasized the need for collaboration with the National Assembly to ensure a timely review and assent of the amended constitution.
“We are committed to ensuring that the amendments reflect the aspirations and interests of all Nigerians. This process will pave the way for a more inclusive, just, and efficient governance system,” Ogundoyin stated.
The workshop was supported by Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), organizations dedicated to strengthening Nigeria’s legislative institutions.