The House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), has extended the deadline for the submission of memoranda on the creation of new states and local governments, from March 5 to March 26, 2025.
The Committee stated that the extension was due to public demand.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., Spokesman, House of Representatives.
Naijaonpoint previously reported that Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, had read the letter from the committee containing about 31 additional state proposal during plenary on February 6, 2025 in Abuja.
The proposal seeks to address demands for greater representation, economic viability, and regional balance in governance.
Originally set for Wednesday, March 5, 2025, Rotimi stated that “the deadline has now been extended to Wednesday, March 26, 2025.”
He disclosed the eligibility and submission guidelines as follows:
According to Section 8(1) of the Constitution, a proposal for state creation must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority of elected parliamentarians representing the affected area in:
For the creation of local governments, Section 8(3) of the Constitution requires that the outcome of votes by the State House of Assembly and the outcome of the referendum be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative action.
All proposals must be submitted in both hard and soft copies as follows:
Speaking on the extension, Kalu reaffirmed the House’s commitment to a transparent and constitutionally guided process:
“This decision is a direct response to the appeals from Nigerians who wish to have their submissions reconsidered. Our goal remains to facilitate a thorough and constitutionally compliant process that addresses legitimate aspirations for state and local government creation. The Committee will fairly evaluate all submissions that meet the established constitutional requirements,” he added.
The House of Representatives explained that it remains committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that all legislative processes, including state and local government creation, align with constitutional provisions and the broader interests of the Nigerian people.
The creation of new states in Nigeria has long been a contentious issue.
Proponents argue that it will enhance governance, accelerate development, and bring government closer to the people.
Meanwhile, in a reaction on February 6, 2025, Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives, clarified that these proposals for additional states were submitted as private member bills and do not represent the official position of the House.
Meanwhile, in a reaction on February 6, 2025, Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives, clarified that these proposals for additional states were submitted as private member bills and do not represent the official position of the House.
He stated that the committee will align with constitutional provisions and will only consider proposals that comply with stipulated guidelines.
Additionally, he emphasized that the House remains committed to a transparent and inclusive constitutional review process that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.