President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Speaking through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Abuja, the President described the process as a “golden opportunity” to entrench good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is not static, but a living document that must continually respond to the realities, aspirations, and challenges of our people,” Tinubu said.

He commended the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, for creating an inclusive platform that engages citizens, civil society, political parties, professional groups, and traditional institutions. Tinubu further noted that the review aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, reiterated his commitment to participatory governance and inclusiveness.

He praised the committee’s diligence and described the review process as “a listening exercise before it becomes a legislative one.”

Tajudeen highlighted innovations such as the Summarised Compendium of Bills, online feedback portals, and open invitations for memoranda, which he said demonstrate a truly people-driven process.

He applauded the dedication of Nigerians who traveled nationwide to take part.

However, the Speaker warned that constitutional reforms must not drag on for years, stressing that “reform delayed is reform denied.”

He argued that Nigerians deserve clarity and closure, as the proposals reflect the diversity and complexity of the federation.

“A few amendments in this review are as transformative as those under inclusive governance,” Tajudeen said, emphasizing that Nigeria cannot prosper while half of its population particularly women remains sidelined.

He lamented that women currently occupy less than five percent of seats in the National Assembly, calling the figure unacceptable.

He endorsed reserved seats for women in both federal and state legislatures, explaining that such provisions would ensure women’s voices are represented across all states and senatorial districts.

“This is not tokenism, but a constitutional mechanism to accelerate gender inclusion until structural barriers are dismantled”, Tajudeen stressed.

He also noted provisions for representation of persons with disabilities at all levels of governance, alongside a proposed requirement for a minimum threshold of women in ministerial appointments to guarantee gender balance.

According to him, these measures would make democracy more representative, policies more responsive, and Nigeria more just.

Tajudeen also underlined the importance of traditional institutions, describing them as stabilizers in their communities, mediators in conflict, and custodians of culture.

In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Kalu emphasized the need for devolution of powers, with a landmark proposal for state and community policing.

He also pushed for local government autonomy to ensure financial and administrative independence at the grassroots.

Kalu maintained that the proposals were derived from citizens’ demands rather than legislative impositions. “The ultimate authority for this process resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria,” he declared.

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