By Andrew Haruna
Abuja, March 26, 2025 – Nigeria’s House of Representatives took a major step toward constitutional reform Wednesday, advancing 42 amendment bills in a sweeping move that could reshape the nation’s political and economic landscape.
The development brings the total number of constitutional amendment bills passing second reading this week to 81, with proposals ranging from resource control and state creation to governance reforms and citizenship rights. All bills have been referred to the Special Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
Key Reforms on the Table
1. Resource Control Takes Center Stage
A landmark proposal seeks to transfer control of mines, minerals, oil fields and natural gas from the exclusive federal list to the concurrent legislative list (HB.200). Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and three other lawmakers, this could mark Nigeria’s most significant shift in resource governance since independence.
2. Push for New States Gains Momentum
Lawmakers proposed creating five new states:
- Orlu State (South-East) – HB.1430 (Ugochinyere, PDP-Imo)
- Etiti State (South-East) – HB.1998 (Ozodinobi, LP-Anambra)
- Oke-Ogun, Ijebu and Ife-Ijesa States (South-West) – HB.1098 (Oke, PDP-Osun)
- Tiga State (North-West) – HB.1308 (Tijjani, NNPP-Kano)
3. Governance Reforms
Notable proposals include:
- Removing immunity for governors and deputies (HB.1664)
- Strengthening local government autonomy (HB.1512)
- Mandating timely submission of financial statements by government agencies (HB.770)
4. Citizenship and Rights
Two groundbreaking bills propose:
- Citizenship by investment for qualified foreigners (HB.2059)
- Indigeneity rights after 10 years residency (HB.2057)
Why This Matters
These amendments come amid growing calls for restructuring Nigeria’s federal system. The resource control proposal alone could dramatically alter fiscal federalism, while state creation bids reflect longstanding regional demands for better representation.
What’s Next?
The Special Committee on Constitution Review will now conduct public hearings and refine the proposals. Any amendments that clear the National Assembly must then be ratified by at least 24 state legislatures before becoming law.
Political analysts suggest the process could take 12-18 months, with contentious issues like resource control and state creation likely to face vigorous debate.
The Bureau Newspaper will continue to track these developments as Nigeria embarks on what could be its most consequential constitutional review in decades.
– Reported by The Bureau’s National Assembly Correspondent
– Additional reporting by Political Affairs Desk
