Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has officially withdrawn the proposed Indigeneship Bill from the National Assembly to allow for further legislative engagements and public consultations.
Kalu announced the withdrawal Tuesday night, citing constructive feedback from stakeholders and a detailed Bill Analysis Report by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) as key factors behind the decision.
While reaffirming that the bill was intended to promote national unity, equity, and inclusiveness for all Nigerians—irrespective of place of origin or residence—Kalu acknowledged concerns over its practical implications.
Concerns Raised in the NILDS Report
According to the NILDS report, while the bill had laudable objectives, similar outcomes could be better achieved at the state level through local legislation:
“States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit from the same rights and privileges enjoyed by indigenes without any form of discrimination, as rightly provided for in the Constitution.”
The report further warned that the bill, if passed in its current form, could create long-term challenges, especially regarding double or multiple indigeneship claims.
Commitment to Public Input
Kalu reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every constitutional proposal reflects the aspirations of the people:
“As leaders and representatives, we remain committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the wishes of the people we serve. The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise.”
He urged continued public participation in the constitutional review process, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and consensus-building in shaping Nigeria’s future
