NASS debates requests for 55 new states, 278 LGAs: What this means for Nigeria

The National Assembly has initiated discussions on extensive constitutional amendments that could reshape Nigeria’s federal structure, potentially leading to the creation of 55 new states and 278 additional local government areas (LGAs) nationwide.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North) disclosed this on Friday during a two-day joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives’ Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held in Lagos.

According to his spokesman, Ismail Mudashir, Jibrin emphasized the legislature’s commitment to delivering “people-centred and timely” constitutional amendments.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Jibrin called on lawmakers to focus on transmitting the first batch of amendments to the state Houses of Assembly before the end of the year, underlining the urgency of the process.

“It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives’ Constitution Amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters,” he said.

Jibrin highlighted that over the past two years, lawmakers had engaged constituents, civil society groups, institutions, and interest groups through town hall meetings, interactive sessions, and public hearings, culminating in 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests.

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The committee is tasked with reviewing these proposals, resolving contentious issues, and making recommendations to both chambers. Jibrin expressed optimism that meaningful progress could be achieved during the retreat, even though the exercise was complex.

He stressed the importance of patriotism and unity in the deliberations, urging participants to prioritize national interests over regional or political divides.

“There should be no ‘we’ and ‘them’; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians,” he said, calling for recommendations that meet the approval threshold outlined in Section 9 of the Constitution.

What This Means:

If implemented, these amendments would significantly expand Nigeria’s political and administrative framework. The creation of new states and LGAs could lead to greater local representation, decentralization of governance, and increased access to resources for previously underserved regions. However, it could also trigger complex fiscal, political, and logistical challenges, including funding new administrative structures and managing inter-state relations.

The deliberations mark a critical step in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review process, signaling the legislature’s intent to address long-standing calls for state creation and local government restructuring while balancing national unity with regional aspirations.

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