Jibrin Barau: 55 New States, 278 LGAs Proposed in Ongoing Constitution Amendment

Jibrin Barau, the Deputy Senate President, has disclosed that the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is currently considering 55 requests for new states, two boundary adjustment proposals, and 278 requests for new local government areas (LGAs).

Barau made this known at a two-day retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review held in Lagos. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the Deputy Senate President emphasized that the extensive review process demonstrates the legislature’s commitment to people-centred and timely constitutional reforms.

Jibrin Barau stated that the National Assembly has spent two years engaging citizens and critical stakeholders across the country through town hall meetings, interactive sessions, and public hearings. He explained that the committee has been “harvesting and synthesising views and perspectives” from Nigerians to guide the review process, ensuring that the amendments reflect public aspirations and address national challenges.

Barau Urges Timely Action and Legislative Collaboration

Jibrin Barau urged lawmakers to expedite their deliberations and ensure that the first set of amendment bills is transmitted to the state houses of assembly before the end of the year. He noted that this would align with the National Assembly’s goal of completing the current phase of the constitution review process within the legislative calendar.

The Deputy Senate President further underscored the importance of unity between both chambers of the legislature, stressing that cooperation will be vital to delivering constitutional changes that strengthen Nigeria’s federal structure. “It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives constitution amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters,” Barau said.

Jibrin Barau reaffirmed that the joint committee is determined to resolve outstanding issues and present its recommendations to both chambers for consideration. He added that the 69 amendment bills currently under review cover areas such as governance, devolution of powers, and local government autonomy.

Barau Highlights Public Engagement and Legislative Responsibility

Jibrin Barau highlighted that the extensive public engagement during the constitution review process reflects the legislature’s responsiveness to citizens’ demands. He said that the wide range of proposals, including state creation and local government restructuring, indicates Nigerians’ desire for improved representation, governance efficiency, and balanced development.

According to Barau, the proposals received span every geopolitical zone of the country, reflecting diverse interests and longstanding aspirations for inclusion. He emphasized that the committee’s responsibility is to evaluate these requests objectively and within constitutional limits.

Jibrin Barau concluded by stating that the constitution amendment process remains one of the most participatory national exercises, driven by inputs from institutions, civil society organizations, and various interest groups. He assured Nigerians that the National Assembly will maintain transparency and diligence throughout the process, ensuring that the final amendments truly serve the people.