Reps Schedule National Dialogue on LG Autonomy for Next Week

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has announced that it will conduct a national dialogue focused on local government autonomy. This event is scheduled to take place on Monday, December 2, 2024, in Abuja.

Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu disclosed this information while updating members of the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review regarding the agenda.

Kalu emphasized that the purpose of the national dialogue is to gather ideas for a meaningful discussion on the independence of local government administration in Nigeria. He stated, "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."

In addition to the national dialogue, the committee plans to engage in public discussions on tax reforms related to the constitution amendment and interactions with political parties. The committee aims to strengthen democracy, deepen the federal structure, and foster unity and prosperity for all Nigerians.

Furthermore, Kalu announced that zonal public hearings would commence in January 2025, covering 12 states across the six geopolitical zones. These 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), and Lagos and Ondo (South West).

Kalu stressed the importance of inclusivity and urged committee members to collaborate with their respective state caucuses, governors, and members of the house of assembly to ensure the success of the initiative.