The House of Representatives has extended the deadline for submitting proposals on the creation of new states and local governments to March 26, 2025.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi announced the extension in a statement on Monday, citing public requests for additional time to refine and resubmit proposals in accordance with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
On February 7, 2025, the House Committee on Constitution Review disclosed that it had received 31 proposals for new states. However, none of them met the constitutional requirements for state creation.
For any proposal to be considered, the following conditions must be met:
✅ State Creation: Approval from at least two-thirds of elected representatives from the affected area in the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils.
✅ Local Government Creation: The State House of Assembly must approve the proposal, followed by a referendum, with results submitted to the National Assembly for legislative action.
Submission Guidelines
📌 Proposals must be submitted in three hard copies to the Committee Secretariat, Room H331, House of Representatives White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
📌 Soft copies should be sent via email to info@hccr.gov.ng.
📌 The final deadline for submission is Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the House’s dedication to a transparent and constitutionally compliant process.
“Our goal remains to facilitate a thorough and constitutionally compliant process that addresses legitimate aspirations for state and local government creation.
“The House of Representatives is committed to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that all legislative processes align with constitutional provisions and the broader interests of the Nigerian people,” Kalu stated.
With the extended deadline, stakeholders now have more time to refine their proposals and ensure they meet the necessary legal and procedural standards.
