The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution will hold a national dialogue on local government autonomy on Monday, 2nd December 2024.

Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu, disclosed this on Thursday while chairing a brief meeting of the panel at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

Kalu, who represents the Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, stated that the national dialogue aims to consolidate ideas for a robust discussion on the independence of local government administration in Nigeria.

He said, “Distinguished colleagues, I would like to remind us of the upcoming national dialogue on local government and constitutional amendment scheduled for 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 we will have include public engagement on tax reforms as they concern constitutional 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.”

The Deputy Speaker also disclosed that the committee will commence zonal public hearings in January 2025.

This follows the committee’s resolution on the locations of the public engagements.

According to him, the hearings will hold as follows-North East: Gombe and Borno States; North Central: Nassarawa 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.

He also emphasised the importance of inclusivity in the committee’s task, saying, “There are locations in all the geo-political zones for our public engagements next year. Those from these states should engage your colleagues in the House, engage your governors and members of your Houses of Assembly.

“Draw up your own local plan and let us have it so that we can integrate it into our own plan to guide us. We expect a full hall.

“The stakeholder engagement list must be drawn to include all relevant stakeholders from your states. Please, do not discriminate against political parties. No religious biases. No tribal discrimination. Everyone who is a Nigerian should be in that room, and we will find a way of itemising your opinions on the 161 areas we are currently examining.

“This way, it will be easier for people to come in and make presentations that cover the interests of stakeholders. It’s a lot of work, and it starts in January,” Kalu added.

Credit: punchng.com