Senate Launches North West Constitution Review Hearing in Kano Aimed at Reforming 1999 Constitution

 

The Nigerian Senate has begun a two-day North West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review in Kano, with stakeholders from across the region gathered to discuss reforms to the 1999 Constitution.

Deputy Senate President and Committee Chairman, Senator Barau Jibrin, declared the session open on Thursday, emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to addressing national concerns through legislative change.

He noted that while five rounds of constitutional amendments have been passed, many pressing national issues remain unresolved. The current review, he said, aims to build consensus on key areas including electoral and judicial reforms, local government autonomy, gender equity, human rights, traditional institutions, and national security restructuring.

Barau called on citizens to participate fully, assuring that submissions—especially from those unable to engage in Abuja—will be taken seriously.

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Chief of Staff Dr. Wali Sani, stressed the importance of inclusive reforms for development. Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North also praised the hearing as a democratic process, promising fair consideration of all inputs from the zone.

Civil society groups, trade unions, and other stakeholders are expected to submit memoranda during the session.