Nation awaits shake-up: 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, and 278 LG proposals under constitution review — Barau

Nigeria may be on the brink of its most sweeping constitutional reform in decades, as the National Assembly is currently reviewing 69 amendment bills, including 55 proposals for new states and 278 requests for local government creation across the country.

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, who doubles as the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, disclosed this during a media briefing at the National Assembly on Friday. He said the scale and diversity of the submissions reflected the country’s evolving socio-political demands and the desire for a more inclusive federation.

According to Barau, the committee has received and is examining proposals that touch virtually every aspect of Nigeria’s governance structure, from devolution of powers and fiscal federalism to judicial reform and boundary adjustments. “We have before us 69 bills that seek to alter various sections of the 1999 Constitution. Among these are 55 separate requests for the creation of new states, two proposals for boundary adjustments, and 278 demands for the creation of new local governments,” he said.

He described the ongoing review as “a massive undertaking aimed at addressing long-standing agitations for equity, efficiency, and true federalism.” The senator emphasised that the process was being handled with transparency and inclusiveness, noting that public hearings, consultations with stakeholders, and technical reviews were all part of the process.

Barau explained that while some of the proposals might not scale through, every submission would receive due consideration. “State creation and local government reforms are among the most sensitive issues before us. We are approaching them with caution, fairness, and constitutional responsibility,” he added.

The lawmaker assured Nigerians that the National Assembly was committed to a people-driven process that would reflect the yearnings of citizens rather than political convenience. “This is not about politics; it is about building a more balanced and functional nation,” he said.

Political analysts say the magnitude of the proposals under review highlights the deep-seated dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s current federal arrangement. Many regions have long argued that the existing structure does not adequately represent their population, resources, or administrative needs.

If approved, the reforms could significantly alter Nigeria’s political map — potentially increasing the number of states and local governments, while redefining fiscal responsibilities between the federal, state, and local tiers.

Observers, however, warn that constitutional amendments of such magnitude require both legislative precision and national consensus. “Every Nigerian wants reform, but not every reform proposal is practical,” said a constitutional lawyer who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The challenge lies in balancing ambition with feasibility.”

As debates intensify, the Constitution Review Committee is expected to present its preliminary report to the full Senate before the end of the year. The outcome could shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s political evolution, signalling whether the country is ready to embrace a deeper form of federalism or remain tethered to its current structure.