House to Host National Dialogue on Local Government Reform and Constitutional Amendment
By Onwe Wisdom
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.
The event according to a press release e-signed and made available to media on Sunday by the House Spokesman,Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr says the one day national dialogue is 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).
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, | Speaker, House of Representatives
The event which is Scheduled for
Monday, December 2, 2024 by 9:00am Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, FCT-Abuja have Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker, House of Representatives as guest of honour.
Highlights of the dialogue according to o the release are as follows
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.”
Emphasing important of the dialogue ahead of the event, Deputy Speaker and HCCR Chairman, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu notes.
“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).
