By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The Katsina State Government has presented far-reaching recommendations for the amendment of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, advocating for a more inclusive democracy, effective governance, and full autonomy for states and local governments.
The proposals were delivered during the North-West Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional review, held on Saturday, 12th June 2025, at the General Hassan Usman Katsina House, Kaduna.
Representing Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda at the hearing, the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Fadila Dikko, submitted Katsina’s formal memorandum, highlighting the state's position on constitutional reforms that reflect current realities and demands for good governance.
In his opening address, Rt. Hon. Madaki Aliyu Sani, Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the North-West Subcommittee on Constitutional Review, stated that the exercise was not just about revising words on paper but about rebuilding the foundation of the nation.
He said the committee was considering 18 bills covering 13 key areas, including electoral and judicial reform, legislative efficiency, inclusive governance, state policing, fiscal federalism, human rights, and the status of traditional institutions.
1. Devolution of Powers and Revenue Sharing:
Katsina called for decentralisation of powers from the federal government to allow states and LGAs to function more independently. The state proposed a new revenue formula:
It also demanded a fairer and economically responsive tax structure.
2. Electoral and Local Government Reforms:
The state recommended the creation of an independent electoral body for local government elections, timely dispute resolution before inauguration of elected officials, and regulation of campaign spending.
3. Judicial Reforms:
4. Strengthening the Legislature and Constituency Projects:
Katsina proposed the establishment of a Constituency Development Fund to enable lawmakers to execute impactful projects in their constituencies and monitor budget implementation effectively.
5. Inclusion of Women and Youth:
6. State Policing and Security:
Katsina supported the establishment of state police forces to complement national security. The state cited its successful Community Watch Corps initiative already operational in high-risk local councils.
7. Public Sector Reforms and Anti-Corruption:
The state advocated:
8. Indigeneity and Citizenship:
The state demanded recognition of Nigerians as indigenes of any location where they legally reside and contribute. It also supported the inclusion of citizenship by investment in the constitution to attract foreign investors and talent.
9. Social Welfare and Human Rights:
Katsina endorsed Section 12 of the Constitution on international treaties and urged inclusion of provisions on access to healthcare, housing, and education to uplift citizens' welfare.
10. Local Government Autonomy:
The state emphasised granting full administrative and financial autonomy to LGAs to reduce dependence on state or federal allocations and to facilitate grassroots development.
The delegation was led by Senator Ibrahim Ida, Chairman of the State Constitution Review Committee. It included:
In her closing remarks, Barrister Dikko commended the National Assembly for organising the hearing and reaffirmed the state’s readiness to support efforts that would lead to a constitution grounded in equity, justice, peace, and sustainable development.
