The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), has officially extended the deadline for submitting memoranda regarding the creation of new states and local government areas. Initially scheduled for March 5, 2025, the deadline has now been moved to March 26, 2025, following widespread public demand. Reason for the Deadline Extension In an official statement on Monday, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, confirmed the extension, stating that it aims to provide sufficient time for stakeholders to refine and resubmit their proposals in full compliance with the constitutional provisions outlined in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended). Background on the Proposal for New States and Local Governments Previously, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu had presented a letter from the committee to the House, containing about 31 proposed state creations. The initiative is geared towards addressing concerns about representation, economic growth, and balanced regional governance. Submission Guidelines and Constitutional Requirements The committee has detailed the eligibility criteria and submission process, emphasizing adherence to constitutional requirements: For State Creation: A proposal must secure the approval of at least a two-thirds majority of elected representatives in: For Local Government Creation: According to Section 8(3) of the Constitution, the approval process requires: Submission Process and Contact Details All proposals must be submitted in both hard and soft copies as follows: Official Statement on the Review Process Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emphasized that the extension aligns with the House’s commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and legally guided review process. “This decision reflects our dedication to addressing legitimate demands for new states and local governments in a fair and constitutional manner. The House of Representatives will thoroughly assess all proposals that comply with the required legal framework,” he stated. Key Considerations for State and LG Creation in Nigeria The debate over creating new states and local governments remains a highly sensitive issue in Nigeria. If approved, this restructuring would mark one of the most significant political shifts in Nigeria since 1996, when the number of states increased from 30 to 36. What’s Next? The House of Representatives has reiterated that the submitted proposals are private member bills and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the House. However, the Committee will strictly adhere to constitutional guidelines while reviewing each submission. As the constitutional amendment process unfolds, this proposal is expected to spark widespread debate in both legislative and public spheres. The House remains dedicated to ensuring that the process is transparent and aligned with the aspirations of Nigerians. For further insights into constitutional amendments and governance reforms, visit Nigerian Law Reform Commission. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
