Public hearings on Nigeria’s constitutional review have revealed overwhelming demands from northern regions for new states, local government areas, and expanded governance roles.
The House of Representatives committee conducting the review reported receiving 46 formal requests for new states and 117 proposals for additional LGAs nationwide, with northern zones accounting for most submissions.
In the North East, groups pushed for seven new states including Amana (Adamawa), Savannah (Borno), and Katagum (Bauchi), alongside 40 proposed LGAs.
Traditional rulers notably advocated for constitutional recognition, with the Shehu of Borno and Emir of Gombe insisting on defined roles for monarchs. Women legislators like Hon. Zainab Gimba championed gender quotas in governance.
The North Central zone saw demands for Kainji State (Niger/Kebbi) and Okura State (Kogi), with Niger State’s delegation emphasizing state police and local government autonomy.
Kogi Governor Ahmed Ododo’s representative argued for state control over mineral resources, citing security benefits.
North West hearings in Kaduna featured competing territorial claims, including Gurara State (Southern Kaduna) and Ghari State (Kano).
While Southern Kaduna groups disagreed on boundaries, traditional leaders like the Emir of Zazzau joined calls for formalizing monarchs’ governance roles. The region also strongly endorsed state policing.
This review marks Nigeria’s most ambitious constitutional amendment attempt since 1999, with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele pledging to submit proposals to state assemblies by December 2025.
Past efforts failed due to legislative hurdles and presidential vetoes, but current demands reflect growing regional pressures for restructuring Africa’s largest democracy.
