Nigeria is on the verge of a major constitutional overhaul as the National Assembly undertakes a thorough review of 69 proposed amendments to the constitution. Among these are 55 petitions calling for the creation of new states, alongside 278 requests aimed at increasing the number of local government areas across the country.
During a recent press conference at the National Assembly, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Deputy Senate President and head of the Constitution Review Committee, emphasized that the wide-ranging nature of these proposals reflects Nigeria’s evolving socio-political dynamics and a collective desire for a federation that better represents its diverse population.
Senator Jibrin explained that the committee is meticulously examining submissions that touch on nearly every aspect of Nigeria’s governance system. These include calls for decentralizing power, reforming fiscal federalism, restructuring the judiciary, and adjusting territorial boundaries. “We are currently assessing 69 bills proposing amendments to the 1999 Constitution, which include 55 petitions for new states, two boundary adjustment proposals, and 278 applications for additional local government areas,” he noted.
This initiative represents a comprehensive attempt to address long-standing demands for fairness, efficiency, and genuine federalism. The senator assured that the committee’s process is anchored in openness and inclusiveness, involving extensive public consultations, stakeholder dialogues, and expert evaluations.
While not all proposals are expected to be adopted, Senator Jibrin stressed that each submission will receive careful and impartial consideration. “Matters concerning state creation and local government reforms are particularly sensitive. We are approaching them with the highest level of fairness, care, and strict compliance with constitutional provisions,” he added.
He further reassured Nigerians that the National Assembly is committed to a participatory process that prioritizes the authentic aspirations of citizens over political interests. “This effort goes beyond politics; it is about building a more just and effective nation,” he affirmed.
Political analysts note that the sheer volume and nature of these proposals highlight widespread dissatisfaction with the current federal arrangement. Many communities argue that the existing system fails to adequately reflect their population size, resource distribution, and administrative needs.
If these reforms are implemented, Nigeria’s political structure could experience significant changes, potentially increasing the number of states and local governments while redefining fiscal responsibilities among the federal, state, and local levels.
Nonetheless, experts warn that constitutional amendments of this magnitude require careful legislative precision and broad national agreement. “Although reform is generally welcomed, not every suggestion is practical,” said a constitutional scholar who preferred to remain anonymous. “The main challenge lies in balancing ambitious objectives with realistic execution.”
As the review continues, the Constitution Review Committee is expected to present its initial report to the Senate before the end of the year. The outcome of this process will be crucial in determining whether Nigeria is ready to adopt a deeper federal restructuring or maintain its current system.