The Senate has officially commenced its much-anticipated public hearing on the comprehensive review of the 1999 Constitution, aiming to address critical reforms that could reshape the country’s governance structure.
The South-West zonal hearing opened on Friday at Water Crest Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, setting the stage for a robust nationwide debate on proposals spanning electoral reforms, state policing, local government creation and fiscal policies.
The two-day event marks the Senate’s first public forum on the constitutional review, coinciding with similar hearings in other geopolitical zones except the North-West, where proceedings have been postponed in respect of the recent death of Kano’s renowned businessman and philanthropist, Aminu Dantata, according to a statement by the media team of the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, made available to newsmen yesterday.
Also, a bill for an act to provide a legal framework for free Internet access in selected public places in Nigeria and for related matters has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which seeks to ensure free access to Internet services for the underserved and disadvantaged citizens, especially in rural areas, was sponsored by Abubakar Kusada during plenary yesterday.
It unveiled plans to investigate the recurring security lapses in the North-East region of the country. According to the Senate statement, Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the South-West Zone Constitution Review Committee, Bamidele, emphasised the importance of the hearing as a platform for Nigerians to actively participate in shaping the country’s future.
The 45-member Constitution Review Committee, constituted earlier this year and chaired by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, with Bamidele as Vice Chairman, has received a diverse array of proposals. These range from inclusive institutional reforms, restructuring of local councils and overhauling of the electoral system to redefining the roles of traditional institutions in governance.
Among the key proposals is a bill to amend the Constitution to establish state police and other state-level security agencies. This includes the creation of a State Security Council to advise governors on public security matters, a move seen as pivotal to addressing the nation’s growing security challenges.
Other significant proposals include transferring labour and industrial relations issues from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, thus allowing both federal and state governments to legislate on these matters. There is also a bid to grant states legislative power over interstate waterways, enabling them to oversee shipping and navigation, a potential boost to local economies.
In the House, Kusada recalled that the bill, which passed its first reading on October 3, 2024, seeks to establish a clear and sustainable legal foundation for providing free Internet services in select public locations across the country.
“This bill provides a structure that enables collaboration between the government, institutions and private sector partners while ensuring the security, accessibility and responsible use of public Internet infrastructure,” the lawmaker said.
The Internet, he emphasised, has become an essential resource for education, innovation and civic participation. However, he said it was unfortunate that millions of Nigerians remained digitally excluded due to high data costs, limited infrastructure and public access points.
He added: “This digital divide not only perpetuates inequality but also undermines national productivity and social mobility. Providing internet services in public places offers a powerful way to bridge this gap.”
Expressing discomfort with the provisions of the bill, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) said Internet provision had been privatised, which implies that governments would need to pay for the services.
Chinda argued: “Once we have a law such as this, what it means is that if the government fails to provide it, the government is going against the law we have made.”
Wole Oke (APC, Osun) said Internet provision had been concessioned to service providers at a cost, noting that someone pays for the free Internet enjoyed in public places in some climes.
But Dennis Agbo (LP, Enugu) suggested that the cost should be shared among the Internet providers and the government. In his ruling, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, referred to the relevant committees for further legislative consideration.
The resolution to probe insecurity in the North-East was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on a matter of urgent public importance sponsored by Zakaria Nyampa, who expressed grave concern over the incessant killings of unarmed citizens in Madagali/Michika Federal Constituency of Adamawa State.
