The Nigerian House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendment has dismissed 31 proposals for the creation of new states, citing non-compliance with constitutional requirements. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the committee, announced this decision during a two-day retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The retreat, organised in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), aimed to evaluate constitutional amendment proposals and chart the way forward.
Kalu emphasised that while the House received these requests on February 6, 2025, none met the necessary constitutional criteria for consideration.
In response, the committee has extended the submission deadline to March 5, 2025, allowing communities to revise and resubmit their proposals. Further extensions may be considered based on the retreat’s outcomes.
Beyond state creation, the committee is reviewing 151 constitutional amendment bills addressing various governance challenges in Nigeria. Some of these bills have advanced to the second reading, while others remain at the initial stages. This comprehensive review highlights the House’s commitment to refining the nation’s constitution to better serve its populace.
In recent years, Nigeria has undertaken significant constitutional reforms. Notably, on March 17, 2023, then-President Muhammadu Buhari signed 16 constitutional amendment bills into law, introducing substantial changes to governance structures, judicial affairs, and legislative processes. These amendments intends to decentralise power and improve state-level autonomy, particularly in areas like electricity generation and distribution.
The current House’s efforts build upon these reforms, striving to address persistent governance issues and meet the evolving needs of Nigeria’s diverse population. Communities advocating for state creation are encouraged to align their proposals with constitutional mandates to facilitate consideration and potential approval.
