Yesterday, Wednesday 9th July 2025, House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, in collaboration with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre and with support from European Union in Nigeria, hosted a high-level media parley in Abuja with members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors as part of stakeholder engagements in the ongoing Constitution review process.

The aim of the event was to leverage the media’s role in creating awareness, shaping public discourse and mobilizing citizens’ participation in the process.

The session opened with Executive Director, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, applauding the Committee and the Nigerian Guild of Editors for their commitment to democratic reform. He spotlighted areas currently undergoing reform as part of the Constitution review process, including local government reform, electoral integrity, and the alarming underrepresentation of women in governance.

He noted that Nigeria cannot claim inclusive governance when entire geopolitical zones have no female representation in Parliament. He emphasized that the presence of women in legislative bodies is not symbolic, but fundamental to achieving balanced and accountable governance.

Amb. Gautier Mignot, Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, echoed the call for inclusion, emphasizing the importance of male allies in advancing gender equity. He affirmed the European Union’s support for equity in governance, adding that male allies play a critical role in advancing women’s political inclusion.Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Committee, described the media as key to nation building. He reiterated that constitutional reform must reflect the will of the people, including women and youth, and called for collective action to shape a more inclusive Nigeria.

Dr. Sebastian Abu, Deputy President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors affirmed the national importance of the proposed amendments and the media’s role in driving awareness.

The session closed with the presentation of a memo to the Committee containing recommendations on Constitution amendments by the Nigerian Guild of Editors.