Reps to hold national dialogue on LG autonomy

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) Thursday said it will hold a national dialogue on Local Government autonomy next week on Monday.

This is the penal also promised inclusivity in all the processes involved in reviewing the constitution.

Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, Benjamin Kalu disclosed this while chairing a brief meeting of the panel at the National Assembly complex.

He said that the national dialogue aims to consolidate ideas for a robust discourse on the independence of local government administration in Nigeria.

“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,” he said.

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

This followed the resolution of the committee on the locations of the public engagements.

He said that the hearings will take place in 12 States, representing the six geopolitical zones.

The States include 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.

Kalu emphasized the importance of inclusivity and encouraged committee members to engage with their respective state caucuses, governors, and house of assembly members to ensure the success of the exercise.

“These are the locations in all the geopolitical zones for our public engagements next year. Those who are from these states, engage your colleagues in the House, engage your governors and members of your house of assembly. And then draw up your own local plan and let us have it so that we can integrate it into our own plan to guide us. What we expect is to have a full hall.”