12/07/2025
Public Hearing on Constitutional Review in North Central Zone focused on State Creation and Local Governance.
Key issues concerning the creation of new states, a review of local government structures, and the roles of traditional institutions were at the forefront during a public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution held in Minna, Niger State.
The event tagged "North Central Zone, Centre 'A' " saw representatives from Niger, Kogi, and Kwara States convening to facilitate the collection and processing of their proposals.
Organized by the House of Representatives Committee on the constitutional review, the hearing aimed to create a platform for citizens to express their opinions.
During the session, the House received 46 proposals for new states, 117 requests concerning local government areas and related issues.
From Niger State, delegates advocated for the creation of two additional states, with Ambassador Ahmed Ibeto proposing the establishment of Kainji and Yabagi Yusuf Sani suggesting the formation of Edu.
Similarly, Kogi State representatives also called for the creation of two new states,Okun and Okura to enhance the socio-political, and economic development of their communities. The Kogi delegates called for devolution of power, judicial reforms, and the decentralization of security for the establishment of state police and stronger community policing.
A delegate from Kogi State,Malam Shaba Ibrahim emphasized that creation of additional states will fast rack development while Mr Adebayo Daramola from Kwara State proposed the new state of Ifesowapo citing the region's rich deposits of solid minerals and the necessity for additional local government areas.
On behalf of the traditional institutions, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers,Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, reflected on the historical significance of traditional institutions, noting that they wielded substantial power between 1920 and 1960.
He expressed concern that the powers had diminished following past constitutional reviews and called on the National Assembly to provide recognition for them.
In a remark,the Deputy Majority Leader and Chairman,North Central Zone Centre 'A' public hearing, Malam Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims expressed hope that the National Assembly would give due consideration to all submitted proposals.
The hearing also featured multiple presentations from civil society organizations, including women and human rights groups, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.