The National Assembly has officially acknowledged the review of proposals seeking the creation of 55 new states and 278 additional local government councils across Nigeria. This development marks a significant phase in the ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at addressing regional representation, governance efficiency, and grassroots development.
The proposals, submitted by lawmakers and interest groups from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, are currently undergoing scrutiny by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. According to committee documents, the requests reflect widespread calls for political restructuring, equitable resource distribution, and enhanced administrative autonomy.
Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee stated, “These submissions are being considered in line with Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution. While they represent the aspirations of various communities, each proposal must meet rigorous legislative and constitutional benchmarks before approval.”
Each proposal is backed by private member bills, and many have already passed first or second readings in the Senate or House of Representatives. Similarly, the 278 council proposals aim to improve local governance and service delivery, especially in underserved rural areas.
However, the National Assembly clarified that no new states or councils have been created yet. These are proposals under review, not executive actions. The legislative process includes public hearings, constitutional compliance checks, and eventual ratification by two-thirds of state assemblies.