National Assembly Reviews Proposals For Creation of 55 New States, 278 Local Councils

The National Assembly has begun reviewing sweeping proposals for constitutional amendments that include the creation of 55 additional states and 278 new local government areas across Nigeria.

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

According to a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Jibrin reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering what he described as “people-centred and timely” constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening the federation and promoting good governance.

The Deputy Senate President, who also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, urged lawmakers to remain focused and work collectively to meet the target of forwarding the first set of proposed amendments to state Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

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

He emphasized that the ongoing exercise reflects the aspirations of Nigerians for a more inclusive and equitable federation.

The proposals under consideration reportedly touch on key issues such as devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, judicial reforms, and the creation of additional states and councils to promote balanced development.

Lawmakers at the retreat were also urged to approach the amendment process with transparency, public consultation, and a focus on national unity.

The constitution review exercise is one of the most ambitious in Nigeria’s recent history and, if passed, could reshape the country’s political and administrative structure.