Agitations for new states and LGAs dominate constitution review hearings in Northern Nigeria

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Agitations for New States and LGAs Dominate Constitution Review Hearings in Northern Nigeria

Calls for the creation of new states and local government areas (LGAs), establishment of state police, and clearly defined roles for traditional rulers were among the major demands during the House of Representatives' constitutional review hearings held across northern Nigeria over the weekend.

The review committee organized public hearings in the North West, North Central, and North East zones to gather input from stakeholders for proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution. The committee revealed it had received 46 formal proposals for new states and 117 for new LGAs from across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.

Despite repeated efforts to amend the 1999 Constitution—often criticized by legal experts as undemocratic and a product of military rule—progress has been limited. Challenges such as lack of consensus among state assemblies and presidential assent have slowed reform. Reports indicate over N20 billion has been spent on previous amendment exercises, resulting in only 30 changes in two decades. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the current review’s outcome will be sent to state assemblies by December 2025.

North East Zone Highlights:

At the North East hearings held in Borno and Gombe States:

  • Seven new state proposals included Amana (from Adamawa), Savannah (Borno), Katagum (Bauchi), Tangalwaja (Gombe), and Muri, Kwararafa, and South Sardauna (Taraba).
  • Over 40 LGA creation requests were submitted.
  • Stakeholders advocated for women’s reserved seats, power devolution, and constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

Amana State Movement leader, Alhaji Sali Bello, argued their region had been marginalised. Ambassador Dauda Danladi said Savannah State had been a long-standing demand with strong cultural and economic potential. Borno Elders Forum and traditional leaders, including the Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Gombe, called for official recognition of traditional rulers. Hon. Zainab Gimba also urged for gender-inclusive governance.

North Central Zone Highlights:

During hearings in Niger State (covering Niger, Kogi, and Kwara):

  • Proposals included Kainji and Edu States (from Niger/Kebbi), Okura and Okun States (from Kogi), and Ifesuwakpo State (from Kwara).
  • Stakeholders demanded state police, LGA autonomy, and control over the mining sector.
  • Calls were also made for women’s inclusion, electoral reform, and devolution of powers.

Amb. Ahmed Musa Ibeto argued Kainji State would improve governance and tackle insecurity. Representatives of Kogi and Niger State governments stressed the need for state policing and economic control over mining activities. The NLC opposed transferring labour issues to the Concurrent List, fearing it would weaken worker protections. Youth and civic groups called for independent INEC appointments to ensure neutrality.

North West Zone Highlights:

In Kaduna, the North West hearing drew wide participation from civil society, traditional leaders, and politicians:

  • State creation proposals included Ghari (Kano), Gurara (Southern Kaduna), Kar’adua (Katsina), Hadeja (Jigawa), Bayajidda (Katsina/Jigawa), and Chika (Kano).
  • Stakeholders supported state police, reserved legislative seats for women, and constitutional recognition of traditional rulers.

Southern Kaduna groups, represented by the Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SUKAPU), pushed for Gurara State. Some Muslim communities in the region supported the idea, while others requested alignment with Zazzau Emirate instead. Retired Justice Saminu Sanusi proposed Kar’adua State; other leaders revived long-standing demands like Hadeja and Bayajidda states.

Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Zazzau, and groups like the Arewa Consultative Forum backed state police and emphasized the need to recognize traditional authorities in the constitution.


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