Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has arrived Lagos ahead of the Joint Retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The high-level legislative session is scheduled to hold from Thursday, October 23 to Sunday, October 26, 2025.
The retreat will focus on critical constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening governance, promoting equity, and deepening Nigeria’s democratic framework. Senator Ned Nwoko, who has been a consistent voice for structural reform and good governance, has several bills up for deliberation during the sessions.
Among them is the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Cap. C23, Laws of the Federation, 2004) for the creation of Anioma State and for matters connected therewith. The bill, which has attracted widespread attention, seeks to address the imbalance in Nigeria’s geopolitical structure by giving the South-East region a sixth state, in line with the principles of fairness and federal equity.
Also slated for discussion is Senator Ned Nwoko’s Bill to Amend the 1999 Constitution to provide for full local government autonomy. The proposed amendment seeks to guarantee financial and administrative independence for local councils, ensuring that grassroots governance becomes more responsive and accountable.
In addition, his Bill for an Act to Alter the 1999 Constitution to provide for Diaspora Voting will also come under review. The proposed law aims to extend voting rights to Nigerians living abroad, giving millions of citizens the opportunity to participate in the electoral process irrespective of location.
Senator Ned Nwoko, who has maintained that constitutional reform is central to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation, noted that the retreat presents another opportunity for lawmakers to strengthen the foundation of the nation’s governance. He emphasized that the constitution must reflect current realities and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
