Devise Comprehensive Response to outstanding Constitutional Reform Issues

Nigeria’s present constitutional democracy has achieved nearly 25 years of uninterrupted existence. The 1999 Constitution
was left behind by the military to guide the Fourth Republic. It has however continued to be controversial, given its source and
identified shortcomings. Between 2010 - 2011, the first ever alteration of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution was recorded, opening the way to several other amendments that have been made. Yet, the clamour for a comprehensive, inclusive Constitution amendment remains. Some have clamoured for Federal Constitution, raising a need for certain issues to be identified, including true restructuring, resource control and fiscal federalism. The Senate commits to do the following regarding Constitution reform:

1. Streamline and outline a clear process for Constitution reform, indicating timelines for each of the processes to complete.
2. Consolidate and enact into law all Constitution alterations into a single document for the purpose of ensuring proper documentation.
3. Identify several contentious issues and consult with stakeholders nationwide to achieve a truly progressive Constitution for Nigeria.
4. Address the constitutional question of the status of Local Governments under the Constitution with a view to achieving an effective Local Government system as the third tier of government.
5. Consult and engage widely with civil society and non-governmental organisations to achieve an all-inclusive Constitution amendment effort.
6. Ensure that the 10th National Assembly’s Constitution reform process takes off and concludes promptly within the life of the 10th National Assembly.
7. Review the justiciability of social and economic rights as outlined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution to determine which of the rights contained under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy needs to be moved to Chapter 4 as a Fundamental right.
8. Re-open conversations around the role of Traditional Rulers and the question of whether there should be constitutionally defined roles.
9. ix. Examine the suitability or otherwise of retaining the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act, Public Complaints Commission (PCC), National Security Agencies Act and the Land Use Act.