Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
The Katsina State Government has submitted key proposals to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, calling for stronger local government autonomy, increased women representation, and formal roles for traditional institutions in national governance.
This was during the Northwest Zonal Public Hearing on constitutional amendment, held on Saturday, 26th July 2025, at the Bristol Palace Hotel in Kano. The two-day event was organised by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review to gather public opinions on proposed amendments to Nigeria’s constitution.
Delegations from Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina states attended, alongside civil society organisations, traditional rulers, professional groups, and other key stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, stated that the Senate had no pre-set agenda and would rely entirely on the people’s input to guide its decisions.
He said the review process would focus on major national concerns, including electoral reform, judicial restructuring, human rights protection, local government strengthening, and inclusive governance. Senator Barau added that many public submissions had already been translated into proposals for the committee’s consideration.
Leading the Katsina delegation, former Senator Ibrahim Ida (Wazirin Katsina), presented a detailed memorandum reflecting the views of citizens across the state. Key demands include:
Full autonomy for local governments, Allocation of 35% of government positions to women, Formal constitutional roles for traditional rulers, Electoral reforms, Support for the creation of new states
Senator Barau urged collaboration between the Senate, House of Representatives, state assemblies, the judiciary, and the executive arm to ensure the success of the review. He noted that unified efforts across all arms of government were essential for implementing reforms that truly reflect the needs of Nigerians.
