The House of Representatives on Monday extended the deadline for the submission of memoranda on the creation of new states and local governments to March 26, 2025.
House spokesperson Akin Rotimi, in a statement, said the extension followed public demand for more time to refine and resubmit proposals in line with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The House Committee on Constitution Review had earlier announced on February 7 that it received memoranda for the creation of 31 additional states, but none met the constitutional requirements.
According to the statement, proposals for new states must secure support from at least two-thirds of elected parliamentarians representing the affected area in the Senate, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, and local government councils.
For new local government areas, the state House of Assembly’s vote outcome and referendum results must be submitted to the National Assembly for legislative action.
Submission guidelines require three hard copies to be sent to the Committee Secretariat at Room H331, House of Representatives White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, while soft copies should be emailed to: [email protected].
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to a constitutionally compliant process that reflects the legitimate aspirations of Nigerians.