The deadline to submit memoranda on the establishment of new states and local governments has been extended by the House of Representatives to March 26, 2025.
The House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, made the announcement in a statement on Monday, explaining that the extension was given in response to pleas from the public for more time to polish and resubmit proposals in accordance with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Recall that on February 7, 2025, the House Committee on Constitution Review said that it had received proposals for the establishment of 31 new states, but that none of them satisfied the requirements set forth by the constitution.
Conditions for the Establishment of State and Local Governments
The statement listed the requirements that must be fulfilled in order for any proposal to be taken into consideration:
A minimum of two-thirds of the elected representatives from the impacted region in the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils must approve a proposal for the creation of a state.
The proposal for the establishment of a local government must be approved by the State House of Assembly, and the National Assembly must then consider the referendum results before taking any further legislative action.
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Guidelines for Submission: Three hard copies of the proposal must be provided to the Committee Secretariat, located in Room H331, House of Representatives White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Soft copies should be emailed to info@hccr.gov.ng.
The last day to submit is Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, reiterated the House’s dedication to an open and constitutionally sound procedure.
Our objective is still to support a comprehensive, constitutionally compliant process that takes into account justifiable desires for the establishment of state and local governments.
“The House of Representatives is committed to maintaining democratic values and making sure that all legislative procedures are in line with the constitution and the interests of the Nigerian people as a whole,” he stated.
