House inaugurates Constitution Review Committee, unveils website

- Committee names Rep. Phillip Agbese as HCCR Spokesperson

- Restates commitment to deliver fresh amendments by December 2025

The House of Representatives has inaugurated its Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended).

The Committee was inaugurated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen PhD, at a well attended ceremony, which also featured a Citizens Town Hall on Monday in Abuja.

This development which signals the formal commencement of the Sixth Alteration to the Nigerian Constitution enacted in 1999, is happening eleven months after the last amendments were concluded with a Presidential assent.

Delivering his remarks at the ceremony, Speaker Abbas noted that the early commencement of constitution review activities by the 10th House of Representatives, is yet another step towards actualising cardinal objectives listed in its Legislative Agenda.

He also explained that the House is already working on a Constitution Alteration Procedure Bill to provide a framework and a timeline for the passage of Constitution Alteration bills by the National Assembly and for adoption by State Houses of Assembly. 

In his opening address, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu,  announced that the Committee will work diligently to deliver on its assignment within the next 24 months. 

Seeking the cooperation and support of all Nigerians, Rep. Kalu emphasised that the Committee’s doors are wide open for robust and constructive deliberations.  He further unveiled the website of the Constitution Review Committee; www.hccr.gov.ng, while urging Nigerians to visit the portal in order to engage, contribute ideas and perspectives to the vital process.

The Committee has also named Rep. Phillip Agbese representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State as its Spokesperson.

A lawyer, activist, London-trained journalist and media executive, Rep. Agbese is the Deputy Spokesman of the Tenth House of Representatives and doubles as Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Rep. Agbese will lead efforts to ensure the constitution review process is transparent, inclusive, and accessible to all stakeholders, and indeed, all Nigerians, in line with the ethos of the 10th Assembly.

The House Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) is established pursuant to Section 62 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) and Order 20 (30) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives.

Categorised as a Standing Committee in the Green Chamber, it is charged with the responsibility of recommending the alteration of the 1999 Constitution and other Acts that require alteration in accordance with Sections 8 and 9 of the Constitution.

Its responsibilities also includes receiving and considering proposals (bills) for the Constitution alteration, as well as creating a forum for relevant stakeholders and members of the public to make inputs to the review process with a view to enacting laws that address the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people 

Chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Committee comprises one member from each of the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT. To ensure greater inclusion, the Committee has six (6) additional women representing each of the six geo-political zones, as well as the House Zonal Caucus Leaders are being co-opted in an advisory capacity to advise the Committee on issues relating to their respective zones. 

The Committee’s Secretariat also includes a representative of People With Disabilities to ensure that their concerns are properly accommodated.

PS: HCCR means House Committee on Constitution Review

Signed:

Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr.
House Spokesman
Chairman. House Committee on Media & Public Affairs
26th February, 2024