Reps Engage Diplomats, Advocate Global Support For Constitutional Amendment
•By Admin
ABUJA – The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has extended a call to the international community for enhanced cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technical support to strengthen Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional reform process.
This move highlights the committee’s commitment to tapping into global experiences and standards to shape a more robust and inclusive national constitution.
Speaking during the Constitution Review Diplomatic Dinner held at the National Assembly Library in Abuja on Friday evening, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, emphasized the pivotal role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing democratic governance and fostering the exchange of legislative innovations.
He noted that the proposed collaboration will be anchored on three core pillars: legislative exchange programs and study visits, access to technical expertise and research, and inter-parliamentary engagement.
According to Kalu, the reform committee is eager to learn from varied constitutional frameworks around the world, gain perspectives on alternative governance models, and build stronger ties with legislative institutions in other nations.
He stated that Parliament is open to receiving technical assistance from partner countries and international agencies in areas such as policy advice, research collaboration, and capacity development for legislators and support staff, adding that such partnerships will enrich the reform process and ensure the final outcome reflects both global benchmarks and Nigeria’s realities.
“In pursuing constitutional reform, we recognize that this journey cannot be taken alone,” Kalu said. “We see great value in forging global partnerships, exchanging ideas, and learning together. This dinner is an opportunity to build those connections.”
He added, “Parliamentary diplomacy offers us a powerful channel to deepen international cooperation, champion democratic ideals, and exchange innovations in lawmaking and constitutional development. This evening is about opening doors to impactful partnerships that will guide our constitutional review process.”
The Deputy Speaker outlined specific areas for collaboration, including:
Legislative Study Tours: Kalu appealed to diplomatic missions to facilitate learning visits by committee members to observe how other nations have addressed similar constitutional questions.
Technical Expertise: He called for international experts to support the committee with insights on areas such as federalism, electoral reform, judicial independence, and gender inclusion.
Inter-Parliamentary Ties: He suggested forging stronger relationships with foreign parliaments through bilateral cooperation, joint participation in global parliamentary bodies, and themed exchanges focused on constitutional advancement.
“These initiatives will offer lawmakers the opportunity to absorb lessons from various legislative environments, on governance structures, electoral systems, and institutional reforms, which could greatly benefit our process,” he said.
Kalu reiterated the committee’s dedication to inclusive participation, noting that a multi-pronged stakeholder engagement strategy has already been adopted. This includes public hearings across the six geopolitical zones, consultation with diverse interest groups, digital platforms for civic input, and extensive media outreach.
He affirmed that the committee remains committed to finalizing the constitutional amendment process by December 2025, ahead of any pre-election political activities that may complicate or disrupt the reform timeline.
“This broad-based strategy ensures that the revised constitution will embody the collective will of Nigerians and respond to their most urgent national concerns,” he said.
He concluded, “Your Excellencies, we are determined to complete this process by December 2025, and we invite you to walk this path with us, sharing knowledge, offering assistance, and collaborating for a better Nigeria.”
•INDEPENDENTNG.