The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has extended the deadline for the submission of memoranda on state and local government creation. The new deadline is now March 26, 2025.
The extension was announced by the Chairman of the Committee and Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, in a statement on Monday. According to Kalu, the extension was granted in response to public requests for more time.
The Committee had initially set a deadline for the submission of memoranda, but many Nigerians had requested more time to prepare and submit their proposals. The extension is expected to give Nigerians more time to participate in the process.
The creation of new states and local governments is a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many arguing that it is necessary to promote development and good governance. Others have argued that it is not feasible, given the country’s current economic challenges.
The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is responsible for reviewing the constitution and making recommendations for amendments. The Committee has been working on the review process for several months.
The extension of the deadline for the submission of memoranda is seen as a positive development, as it will give Nigerians more time to participate in the process. However, some have expressed concerns that the extension may delay the review process.
The Committee has reminded proponents of state and local government creation that all submissions must strictly comply with the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Constitution. This section requires that a request for the creation of a new state or local government must be supported by at least two-thirds of members representing the area.
