The House of Representatives has received 31 proposals for the creation of new states across the country, but it has clarified that these submissions do not represent an official move by the National Assembly to create states.
The clarification follows widespread media reports suggesting that the House was actively working to create 31 new states.
Speaking during plenary on Thursday, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR), explained that the proposals were submitted as private member bills.
“These proposals do not reflect the official position of the House,” Akin Rotimi, Jr., the spokesman of the House of Representatives, stated, adding that they must meet stringent constitutional requirements before progressing further.
Citing Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Rotimi outlined that for any new state to be created, it must secure the support of at least a two-thirds majority of legislators representing the affected areas at all levels—Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and Local Government Councils.
Additionally, proposals for new local government areas must comply with Section 8(3), which mandates a referendum by State Houses of Assembly, with results forwarded to the National Assembly.
To ensure compliance, the House directed that full memoranda for state creation requests be submitted in three hard copies to the Committee Secretariat by 5 March 2025.
“For the avoidance of doubt, as with all constitutional amendment proposals, these submissions will undergo thorough legislative scrutiny, including public hearings, stakeholder engagements, and multiple levels of approval before any constitutional changes can be effected,” Rotimi stated.
“Additionally, the House remains committed to a transparent and inclusive constitutional review process that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.”
- After Months of Waiting, NYSC Increases Corps Members’ Allowance to ₦77,000 - March 21, 2025
- World Happiness Report: Nigeria Slips to 105th, Libya Tops Africa - March 21, 2025
- Death Toll Rises to 10 in Karu Bridge Explosion - March 20, 2025