The House of Representatives Committee on review of the1999 Constitution (as amended) announced on Thursday that it will conduct a national dialogue focused on local government autonomy on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Abuja.

Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu disclosed this in Abuja while updating members of the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review regarding the agenda.

Kalu explained that the purpose of the national dialogue was to gather ideas for a meaningful discussion on the independence of local government administration in Nigeria.

He said: “Distinguished colleagues, I would also like to remind us of the upcoming National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment scheduled to hold on Monday, 2nd December 2024, in Abuja.

“This event is a vital platform to consolidate ideas and strategies for achieving a robust local government framework, which is critical to our constitutional review efforts.

“In addition, other engagements that we will be having include: public engagement on tax reforms as it concerns the constitution amendment and a public engagement with political parties.

“As we continue in this historic undertaking, let us remain guided by our shared commitment to strengthening our democracy, deepening our federal structure, and fostering unity and prosperity for all Nigerians”.

Kalu also announced that the committee will commence zonal public hearings in January 2025.

The decision came after the committee resolved on the locations for the public engagements.

He mentioned that the hearings will be held in 12 states, covering all six geopolitical zones.

The States include North East: Gombe and Borno States; North Central: Nasarawa and Niger; North West: Kaduna and Sokoto; South East: Enugu and Imo States; South South: Bayelsa and Cross River States; and South West: Lagos and Ondo States.

Kalu emphasized the importance of inclusivity and urged committee members to collaborate with their respective state caucuses, governors, and members of the house of assembly to ensure the success of the initiative.

“The stakeholders engagement list must be drawn to cut across all the relevant stakeholders of the country from your States. Please, do not discriminate against the political parties. No religious biases. No tribal discrimination.

“Everyone who is a Nigerian should be in that room and then find a way of itemizing your opinion on the 161 areas we are currently looking at so that on that day, it will be easier for people to come in and make presentations that will cover the interest of the stakeholders so that we don’t spend so much time. It’s a lot of work. It’s starting from January”, Kalu said.