Like almost everything from the ‘90s, the 1999 constitution has become outdated and Nigerian lawmakers are currently working on an updated version that will be ready by December 2025.
In February 2024, a constitution review committee was set up with members from each of Nigeria’s 36 states, key leaders from the House of Representatives, leaders of regional House groups, six women from each of Nigeria’s six zones, and representatives for people with disabilities. All hands are already on deck to bring the updated constitution to life.
Why are they reviewing the Constitution?
The 1999 constitution will be getting a facelift because it is outdated and no longer has the capacity to meet Nigerians’ needs. In the words of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Abbas Tajudeen, this constitution is important because it will “strengthen the foundation” of Nigeria’s democracy.
Why do you need to scrutinise lawmakers’ moves?
On paper, the minimal attempt at promoting inclusivity is great, but Nigerians need to be more involved in this constitutional amendment process because of the reputation of the National Assembly overseeing the whole revamp.
If you’re familiar with Nigerian politics, you will see why this should keep you up at night, but if you aren’t, this article will catch you up– I have a thing for preserving the history of politically questionable behaviour, so I made a list of some recent controversial bills that would make you side-eye the people in charge of creating your new constitution.
Bill seeking to expand Sharia law
On October 24, Aliyu Misau, a Nigerian lawmaker, proposed a bill that would have given the Sharia Law more power in the Nigerian constitution. Many Northern lawmakers were on board with the idea, even though Nigeria is a country where several religions are practised. After some spirited back-and-forth, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu voted the bill to a voice vote, and most lawmakers voted against it. But to some Nigerians, the fact that it was even raised was enough reason to be concerned.
Road Safety Special Armed Squad Bill
Earlier this month, a bill proposing that Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officers should be allowed to carry guns to perform their duties passed its second reading, with the majority of the lawmakers in the House of Representatives supporting it. Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who also inaugurated the constitution review committee, even called it a “straightforward bill” before sending it to the FRSC committee for further review and action.
This was a questionable, if not tone-deaf move because some FRSC officers have a history of demanding bribes from drivers and assaulting them when they resist. Young Nigerians were at the receiving end of Police brutality under SARS, and if patterns are anything to go by, they are at the greatest risk of being profiled and assaulted by power-drunk officers of the FRSC once they get their guns. To make sure this doesn’t happen, some youths took to social media to speak out against this bill when the news hit the street, arguing that officers of the FRSC don’t need guns to perform their duties, but lawmakers have been really quiet about this kickback from young Nigerians.
6-year Presidency Bill
In June 2024, a group of 35 lawmakers proposed a bill that would have extended the maximum number of presidential and gubernatorial leadership from four years to six years for a single term. The proposal attempted to amend Sections 7, 135, 137, 180 and 182 (1) of the 1999 Constitution. The lawmakers involved claimed the bill would cut governance costs and lead to a more stable political climate. But Nigerians haven’t had enough luck with good leaders to buy into that dream.
New National Anthem Bill
In May 2024, Nigerian lawmakers signed the National Anthem Bill, pushing for a return to the old colonial anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.” Even though we’ve learned to live with it, the decision didn’t sit right with many Nigerians, especially given how quickly it was passed when the country had more pressing issues to address. Despite public criticism, this bill wasn’t withdrawn, and Nigerian lawmakers didn’t act like they gave two shits about public opinion.
Why should you be concerned?
The bills you just read about suggest that Nigerian lawmakers are either disconnected from the citizens they represent or are pushing self-serving laws, and if this is anything to go by, we are likely going to end up with a constitution bad or twice as bad as the current one
Honourable Abbas, who is leading the charge on this constitutional review, has also backed proposals that raise serious safety concerns, especially for young Nigerians. His support for arming the FRSC makes you wonder if he’s the right person to oversee a constitution that impacts over 200 million lives. If he doesn’t see the danger in putting guns in the hands of traffic officers, he may not be the person Nigerians can trust to build the foundations of our democracy.
What can you do about it?
A new constitution could be a big step forward for Nigeria, but its success depends on having a process that truly reflects the will of the people, not just lawmakers’ priorities. To make sure that your will is reflected in the constitution, you need to do the following:
- Be informed and up to date on developments about the constitution review (Zikoko Citizen has you covered on this front)
- Demand transparency from your lawmakers by reaching out to them. For starters, you can reach Honourable Abbas Tajudeen via email at tajudeenabbas@yahoo.com or by calling him on 08168355552 to speak out on unuseful or dangerous amendments. You can do the same for other lawmakers representing you.
- Engage in social media campaigns to bring the constitution amendments to other Nigerians who may not be aware of it or its importance.
- If a proposed amendment sounds ridiculous to you, share it with other young people; you stand more chance to effect a change when you make you raise your voices together.
