JUST IN: Bill to Create Ogoja State in South-South Nigeria Passes Second Reading

Bill to Create Ogoja State in South-South Nigeria Passes Second Reading

 

A bill proposing the creation of a new state in Nigeria’s south-south geopolitical zone has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

 

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The legislation seeks to carve out Ogoja State from Cross River, a state located in the region.

 

The proposed bill, co-sponsored by Godwin Offiono, a lawmaker from Cross River, along with three other representatives, gained momentum during Thursday’s plenary session.

 

When the bill was subjected to a voice vote by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, it received favorable support from members of the House.

 

Subsequently, the bill was referred to the House committee on constitutional review for further consideration.

 

This move adds to a growing list of bills proposing new state creation in Nigeria, as the country continues the process of amending the 1999 Constitution.

 

Earlier this year, Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated that the ongoing constitutional review process is expected to be completed by December 2025.

 

Creating a new state in Nigeria is a complex and challenging process. According to Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, for a state to be created, it must receive the support of at least two-thirds of the representatives from the area demanding the state, across several legislative bodies.

 

These include the Senate, the House of Representatives, the state House of Assembly, and the local government councils in the affected area.

 

In addition, a referendum must be conducted, where at least two-thirds of the local population must approve the creation of the new state. The outcome of the referendum must then be supported by a simple majority of all states in the federation.

 

Finally, the proposal must pass by a two-thirds majority in both houses of the National Assembly.

 

No new state has been created in Nigeria since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.