By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives committee on Constitutional Review, led by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, is set to host a crucial one-day National Dialogue on Local Government Reform and Constitutional Amendment, aiming to address key issues surrounding Nigeria’s local government structure.
The event, which takes place today Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together a wide range of stakeholders to discuss financial and administrative autonomy for local governments, free and fair local elections, and enhanced accountability and transparency at the grassroots level.
The dialogue is part of ongoing sectoral engagements by the House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR), in partnership with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, will serve as the Guest of Honour, and discussions will be focused on identifying constitutional amendments necessary for reform.
Chairman of the HCCR, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the importance of this dialogue in shaping a robust local government framework to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and foster national unity.
The dialogue will also focus on the role of various stakeholders, including the federal and state governments, judiciary, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, and local communities, in advancing local government reform.
The outcomes of the dialogue are expected to form a comprehensive roadmap for constitutional amendments, marking another step in Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and effective governance system.
