Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has revealed that the constitutional review committee has received over 250 bills seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday ahead of a two-day retreat for the committee in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Kalu stated that the bills had been categorized into key thematic areas, including power devolution, local government autonomy, revenue allocation, and electoral reforms.

A statement from his media office announced plans to establish a situation room to collate public concerns and ensure an inclusive amendment process.

“We have 151 House bills before us, but with recent additions, the total has risen to around 250. These bills reflect our collective commitment to refining governance in Nigeria,” Kalu said.

He noted that while some bills had advanced to the second reading stage, others remained at the first reading. The committee, he added, aims to expedite hearings and ensure a seamless legislative process.

“The compilation process has revealed instances of duplication by sponsors or overlapping subject matters, necessitating meticulous harmonization to streamline efforts and eliminate redundancy,” he explained.

The bills have been grouped into thematic areas, including federal structure and power devolution, local government autonomy, fiscal federation, revenue allocation, security reforms, judicial reforms, electoral reforms, gender issues, human rights, and state creation.

Kalu reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to delivering a well-structured constitutional review that aligns with the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.