National Assembly Moves to Transform Nigeria with New States

National Assembly launches constitutional review, proposing 55 new states and 278 new local governments to reshape Nigeria’s governance landscape.

National Assembly has launched intensive discussions on constitutional reforms that could lead to the creation of 55 new states and 278 additional local government areas across Nigeria.

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Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser to Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin on Media and Publicity, confirmed the development on Friday, October 24, 2025, in Abuja. The announcement coincided with the opening of a two-day joint retreat in Lagos, bringing together Senate and House committees reviewing the 1999 Constitution.

Senator Jibrin, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, emphasised the legislature’s commitment to “people-centred and timely” amendments. He urged lawmakers to work diligently to submit the first batch of proposals to state legislatures before year-end.

The review process has spanned two years, involving town hall meetings, public hearings, and consultations with civil society organisations and interest groups.

This comprehensive exercise has culminated in 69 bills, including requests for 55 new states, two boundary adjustments, and 278 new local government areas.

Jibrin highlighted the need for unity and patriotism during deliberations, calling on participants to prioritise national interests over divisive tendencies.

“We are seated here as one committee. There should be no ‘we’ and ‘them’; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians,” he stated.

Efforts to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution have historically faced challenges due to the complex amendment process and the requirement of approval by at least two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly.

Previous attempts have stumbled on contentious issues like state creation, resource control, and local government autonomy.

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Analysts note that while the current review demonstrates renewed political commitment, proposals such as new states and local governments could test national cohesion and the ability of lawmakers to balance ambition with effective governance.