The Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, has revealed that the National Assembly Joint Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is
currently considering 55 requests for new state creation, two boundary adjustment proposals, and 278 requests
for the creation of new local government areas (LGAs) across the country.
Barau made this known during a two-day retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on
Constitution Review held in Lagos.
In a statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the Deputy Senate my
President emphasized that the exercise demonstrates the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering people-
oriented and timely constitutional amendments that reflect the aspirations of Nigerians.
Barau urged lawmakers to work diligently to ensure that the first batch of proposed amendments is transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.
“It has been a long journey to bring together the Senate and the House of Representatives on the constitution
amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters,” Barau said.
He explained that the constitution review process has been ongoing for two years, involving extensive engagement with constituents, stakeholders,
institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs), and interest groups through town hall meetings, interactive sessions, and public hearings.
According to him, these consultations have enabled the committees to harvest and synthesise the diverse views and
perspectives of Nigerians, which have now been consolidated into the working document being considered at the retreat.
“We have 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests before us,” he added.
Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, explained that lawmakers will deliberate
on the proposals, resolve all outstanding issues, and make final recommendations to both chambers of the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
The ongoing constitutional review is one of the most comprehensive in Nigeria’s recent legislative history, with wide-
ranging proposals aimed at strengthening governance, promoting inclusivity, and deepening federalism in the country.
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