Abuja, Nigeria – In a strategic move to deepen the quality and impact of Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional reform, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has reached out to the international community for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and technical assistance.
Speaking during a Diplomatic Dinner held in Abuja with the theme “Constitution, Dialogue and National Renewal,” Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering democratic values and facilitating the exchange of best practices in constitutional and legislative processes.
According to Kalu, the Committee is seeking support in three critical areas: study tours and legislative exchanges, provision of technical resources and expertise, and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
“We believe that exposure to diverse constitutional models and legislative practices can significantly enhance our reform efforts,” he said. “We invite your support in facilitating study tours for our committee members to your respective countries to observe firsthand how similar constitutional issues have been addressed in different contexts.”
He noted that such international engagement would allow lawmakers to draw from alternative governance structures, judicial frameworks, electoral systems, and security models that could inform Nigeria’s constitutional amendment process.
Kalu also disclosed that the Committee welcomes technical assistance from foreign governments and international organizations, including expert consultations, research support, and capacity-building programmes for committee members and staff.
“Parliamentary diplomacy has emerged as a powerful tool for strengthening international cooperation,” he added. “It promotes democratic values, enhances mutual understanding, and facilitates the exchange of legislative experiences and policy innovations.”
On the timeline for the constitutional review, Kalu informed the diplomats that the Committee is working with a firm deadline of December 2025. He explained that this schedule was carefully chosen to ensure that the review is concluded before the 2027 electoral season begins, thereby shielding the process from potential political interference.
The diplomatic dinner was attended by representatives of foreign missions, international development partners, and parliamentary institutions, signaling a growing recognition of the importance of global collaboration in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
