The Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu-led House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR) is set to host a one-day National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment. This according to a Press release from the Office of the House Spokesman and signed by the spokesman Hon. Akin Rotimi Jrn.
A statement contained in the Press release reads: “This event, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), continues the Committee’s sectoral engagement with various stakeholders on the ongoing Sixth Alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Guest of Honour: Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, | Speaker, House of Representatives
Event Schedule:
Date: Monday, December 2, 2024
Time: 09:00am Prompt
Venue: Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, FCT-Abuja
Highlights:
Discussions at the dialogue will center on key issues such as:
- Financial autonomy for local governments
- Administrative autonomy
- Ensuring free and fair local council elections
- Mechanisms to promote accountability and transparency at the local government level.
“Other critical topics to be addressed include the roles of various stakeholders—Federal and State Governments, the Judiciary, National and State Houses of Assembly, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and local communities—in advancing the agenda for local government reform and autonomy.
As stated by the HCCR: “It is intended that the outcome of the dialogue will produce a roadmap to identify specific constitutional provisions for achieving amendments to Nigeria’s constitution.”
Deputy Speaker and HCCR Chairman, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also emphasised ahead of the event:
“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.
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.”
“These reform efforts align with the Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) of the People’s House, particularly Article 6.3 on Local Government Reform, as outlined in Law Reform (Agenda 3)”.The statement said.
