Youth Coalition Pushes for Sweeping Reforms in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution
By Ekemini Simon
A coalition of young people under the Strategic Partnership Agreement II project has submitted a comprehensive memorandum to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
Spearheaded by Clement Isong Foundation, the coalition called for significant amendments to promote a more inclusive, just, and equitable society.
The proposed reforms presented at the 2-Day Zonal Public Hearing on Constitution Review of the 1999 Constitution held in Ikot Ekpene aimed to address various aspects of governance, including electoral processes, fiscal policies, local government autonomy, and fundamental rights.
The coalition recommended extending voter registration and voting rights to Nigerian citizens residing abroad by amending Sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the 1999 Constitution. This move they said is expected to increase participation in the electoral process and give a voice to Nigerians living abroad.
The coalition also proposed allowing independent candidacy by removing party sponsorship requirements. This they noted would grant all eligible Nigerians the right to stand for election regardless of party affiliation.
“We believe these reforms are essential to building a future where the rights, voices, and potential of young Nigerians are fully recognized and protected under the law,” the coalition stated.
The proposed reforms also included mandating electronic voting systems and compulsory electronic transmission of election results. This they insisted would help to increase transparency and reduce the risk of electoral disputes.
In terms of fiscal reforms, the coalition recommended allocating a minimum of 3.5% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund as a dedicated Youth Development Fund. This fund would be managed by the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and would support holistic development agendas for young people.
The coalition also proposed making youth development plans an Act of Parliament to ensure that young people’s needs are addressed in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.
To promote inclusive governance, the coalition recommended mandating a minimum of 35 percent representation for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. This they pointed out would help to ensure that women’s voices are heard and their interests represented in the legislative process.
The coalition said “We propose that the constitutional reform explicitly mandate a minimum of thirty-five percent representation for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, in line with the National Gender Policy.”
The coalition also demanded at least 30 percent representation for young people in party structures, candidate lists, and leadership positions. They said it would help to increase youth participation in politics and ensure that young people’s interests are represented.
The coalition proposed guaranteeing the right to free, compulsory, and quality basic education in public schools stressing that it would help to ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
The coalition also recommended including social security provisions for unemployment benefits, child support, and job placement services. This would help to provide a safety net for vulnerable Nigerians and support economic development.
The coalition said their proposals aimed to address the aspirations of young Nigerians and promote good governance, equality, and justice.