The Traffic

State Creation Frenzy: Reps Extend Deadline Amid Surging Demands

By Achimi Muktar

The push for new states in Nigeria has reached a fever pitch as the House of Representatives announced an extension for the submission of memoranda on state and local government creation. Initially set to expire soon, the deadline has now been moved to March 26, 2025, following widespread public demand for additional time to refine proposals.

This move signals the growing agitation across the country for more administrative divisions, with 31 proposals for new states already submitted. However, none of these proposals have met the strict constitutional requirements necessary for consideration, according to the House Committee on Constitution Review.

The Constitutional Roadblock

Under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the process of state creation is no simple feat. Any proposal must secure the backing of a two-thirds majority of elected representatives from the affected area—including members of the Senate, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, and local government councils.

For new local governments, the process is equally demanding. The state House of Assembly must approve the proposal, followed by a referendum whose outcome is then forwarded to the National Assembly for legislative action.

This stringent process explains why no new states have been created since 1996, despite persistent demands from various regions.

Submission Guidelines and Where to Apply

In response to mounting pressure, the House Committee on Constitution Review has reopened submissions, urging interested parties to comply with the stipulated guidelines:

Three hard copies of memoranda must be submitted to the Secretariat at Room H331, House of Representatives White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

Soft copies should be emailed to info@hccr.gov.ng before the deadline of Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Why the Extension?

Explaining the rationale behind the extension, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the need for a thorough and constitutionally compliant process.

“Our goal remains to facilitate a thorough and constitutionally compliant process that addresses legitimate aspirations for state and local government creation,” Kalu stated.

“The House of Representatives is dedicated to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that all legislative processes align with constitutional provisions and the broader interests of the Nigerian people.”

A Renewed Hope or Another Political Dead End?

While the extension provides fresh hope for advocates of new states and local governments, history suggests that many of these proposals will likely be rejected due to the high constitutional barriers. Yet, with increasing pressure from various ethnic and regional groups, could this be the moment Nigeria finally redraws its political map?

With the new deadline in place, all eyes are now on the National Assembly as the debate over state creation heats up once again.