The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has extended the deadline for submitting memoranda on the creation of additional states and local government areas (LGAs) to March 26, 2025, moving it from the previous date of March 5, 2025.
This extension comes in response to widespread public requests for more time to prepare and submit proposals. Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, emphasized the Committee's commitment to supporting legitimate efforts that align with constitutional provisions.
Proponents are reminded that all submissions must strictly comply with Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution. This section mandates that any request for state creation must be supported by at least a two-thirds majority of representatives from the affected area, including members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and Local Government Councils. Similarly, the creation of additional LGAs must adhere to Section 8(3), requiring voting outcomes from State Houses of Assembly and a referendum to be submitted to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
Interested parties are urged to submit memoranda in triplicate to Room H331, House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, and also email soft copies to info@hccr.gov.ng.
This development follows recent proposals for the creation of 31 new states across Nigeria, reflecting ongoing discussions about the nation's administrative structure.