The National Assembly has commenced a comprehensive constitutional review process that could drastically reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, with proposals to create 55 additional states and 278 new local government areas (LGAs) across the federation.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review, disclosed that the legislature is currently examining 69 amendment bills aimed at strengthening governance and deepening Nigeria’s federal structure. He revealed that the committee plans to transmit the first batch of constitutional amendments to state assemblies before the end of the year, following ongoing zonal public hearings and stakeholder consultations.
Among the most contentious proposals under consideration are those seeking new states and LGAs. Several regions, including the North-West, North-Central, and South-South, have submitted memoranda advocating for administrative restructuring to bring governance closer to the people.
In Kano State, lawmakers proposed the creation of an additional state and 26 new LGAs, citing the state’s large population and vast landmass. Similarly, Bayelsa State demanded 25 new LGAs to reflect its geographical spread and coastal communities, while other regions have called for the restoration of previously dissolved local councils.
Supporters of the amendment argue that the creation of new states and LGAs would promote equity, enhance resource allocation, and foster development at the grassroots. Some lawmakers have also insisted that if the government can commit trillions of naira to national infrastructure, it can equally afford to fund new administrative units.
However, critics have raised concerns about the financial burden and bureaucratic expansion such a move could impose on the economy, warning that it could worsen Nigeria’s already high cost of governance. They also note that the constitutional requirements for creating new states remain stringent, involving referenda, majority approval from affected state assemblies, and endorsement by the National Assembly.
Political analysts have described the ongoing exercise as the most ambitious constitutional review since 1999, with potential implications for power distribution, resource control, and regional representation. If successful, it would mark a historic restructuring of Nigeria’s 36-state federation into a 91-state entity, significantly increasing the number of governors, legislators, and local council administrators.
The constitution review committee is expected to continue receiving memoranda from across the six geopolitical zones before compiling a final report for legislative consideration.
Stakeholders are now watching closely to see whether the National Assembly will balance public demand for representation with fiscal realities, as the debate over Nigeria’s political structure gains renewed momentum under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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