The deadline for submitting memoranda on the establishment of new states and local governments was extended by the House of Representatives on Monday to March 26, 2025.
Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson for the House, said in a statement that the decision was made in response to public pressure for more time to polish and resubmit their legislative ideas under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Recall how the House Committee on Constitution Review said on February 7, 2025, that it had received memoranda proposing the creation of 31 more states but that none of the ideas satisfied the constitutional requirement.
Proposals for state creation must fulfil certain criteria, the statement said, including having the backing of at least two-thirds of elected lawmakers from the impacted region in the Senate, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, and local government councils.
The results of the referendum and the State House of Assembly’s votes must be sent to the National Assembly for legislative action in order to create local governments.
Three hard copies of the submission instructions were given to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, Presidential Office, National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The announcement said that the deadline is Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and that soft copies should be sent by email to info@hccr.gov.ng.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu, said, “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 dedicated to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that all legislative processes align with constitutional provisions and the broader interests of the Nigerian people,” he said.
