House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, yesterday, said it will hold a national dialogue on Local Government autonomy next week Monday while promising inclusivity in all the processes involved in the review.  
 
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. 
 
The Green Chamber also tasked all the Houses of Assembly on the need to assert their independence during the review. According to Kalu, the national dialogue is to consolidate ideas for a robust discourse on the independence of local council administration in Nigeria.
 
He said: “Distinguished colleagues, I would also like to remind us of the coming National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment scheduled to be held on Monday, December 2, 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 Constitution review efforts. In addition, other engagements that we will be having include public Engagement on tax reforms as it concerns the constitution 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.”
 
Kalu also announced that the committee would commence a zonal public hearing in January 2025. This followed the committee’s resolution on the locations of the public engagements.  He said the hearings would take place in 12 states, representing the six geopolitical zones.
 
The states include Gombe and Borno (North East), Nasarawa and Niger (North Central), Kaduna and Sokoto (North West), Enugu and Imo (South East), Bayelsa and Cross River (South South), Lagos and Ondo (South West).  Kalu emphasised 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.
  
Kalu gave details of a series of consultations held with the 36 governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and leaders of the Houses of Assembly in the South West, confirming the 10th Assembly’s resolve to ensure full autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.
 
He said, “We briefed the governors on the ongoing efforts to amend the Constitution. We proposed the establishment of a collaborative framework, a one-stop shop where NGF can articulate its collective position and work with our committee to drive meaningful Constitution amendment, considering that a similar collaboration in the past enabled the devolution of power from the exclusive to the concurrent list in the areas of aviation, railway, power and Correctional Services.
 
“We urge them to sponsor bills that will enable their states to reap the benefits of the Constitution amendment that we did in the 9th Assembly that will create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in their states.”