Position Paper on the 2025 Constitutional Review

By Abdullahi Lawal Bungudu, Executive Director, Health Standard Concern (HESCO). As Nigeria approaches a defining moment in its constitutional evolution, it is vital that the 2025 Constitutional Review reflects the aspirations of the people and promotes justice, equity, and effective governance. The following recommendations are hereby submitted as priority areas for consideration: 1. Guarantee Women’s Inclusion in Governance. The Constitution should include explicit provisions mandating a minimum of 35% affirmative action for women in both elective and appointive offices. No nation can attain inclusive growth while marginalizing half of its population. Institutionalizing gender equity in governance is not only a matter of fairness but a constitutional and developmental necessity. 2. Full Autonomy for Local Governments . The Constitution must guarantee full financial and administrative autonomy for local governments. As the tier of government closest to the people, local governme...