A bill seeking to create a new state in the south-west geopolitical zone has passed second reading in the house of representatives.
The proposed legislation, which is sponsored by Olufemi Ogunbanwo, lawmaker representing Ijebu Ode/Ijebu north east/Odogbolu federal constituency of Ogun, and three other lawmakers, scaled second reading during Thursday’s plenary.
The bill proposes to amend the 1999 constitution to create Ijebu state from Ogun state. This bill adds to the growing list of proposed legislation aimed at creating new states in the country.
Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over plenary, referred the bill to the committee on constitutional review.
LEGISLATIVE HURDLE
The national assembly is currently amending the 1999 constitution. In January, Kalu, who chairs the house committee on constitution review, said the amendment would be completed in December 2025.
Amending the constitution to create a new state or adjust boundaries is an arduous task.
According to section 8(1) of the constitution, the creation of a new state requires extensive legislative and public backing.
The bill must first secure a two-thirds majority vote from representatives of the area seeking statehood in both the senate and house of representatives, as well as the house of assembly and LGAs within the affected area.
After legislative approval, a referendum must be held in the proposed area, where at least two-thirds of residents must vote in favour of the new state.
The outcome of the referendum must then be endorsed by a simple majority of all state houses of assembly across the federation, before final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the national assembly.
No state has been created since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
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