The Niger State Government has presented a comprehensive memorandum containing the collective views, aspirations, and recommendations of both the government and people of the state to the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The presentation was made by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Mu’azu, during the North Central Zonal Public Hearing (Centre A) held in Minna. The zone comprises Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States.
Mu’azu explained that the memorandum encapsulates key recommendations on critical national issues, including restructuring, devolution of powers, state policing, fiscal federalism, local government autonomy, and electoral reforms.
He noted that the document was developed after extensive consultations and stakeholder engagements across the state.
The Commissioner further revealed that the Niger State Government advocated the creation of additional local government areas within the state, expressing optimism that the proposals would receive due consideration by the House Committee.
Also speaking at the event, the House Committee Consultant, Prof. Kathleen Okafor, presented a summarized compendium of bills currently before the House, highlighting key thematic areas such as electoral, judicial, legislative, and fiscal reforms.
She added that other focus areas include inclusive governance, security and policing, devolution of powers, institutional strengthening, the role of rural communities and traditional institutions, citizenship and indigeneity, fundamental rights, and more.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, also submitted a memorandum on behalf of the National Council of Traditional Rulers. His submission emphasized the need to assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers in matters of religion, culture, security, and justice, among others.
Additionally, presentations were made for the creation of Edu State—comprising Bida, Lapai, and Agaie Emirates—and Kainji State, to include Borgu and Kontagora Emirates in Niger State and Zuru Emirate in Kebbi State. These proposals were presented by Engr. Yabagi Yusuf Sani and Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, respectively.
Representatives from Kogi and Kwara States also submitted memoranda advocating for the creation of Okun, Okura, and Efesowofo States from the existing Kogi and Kwara States.
The House Committee also received submissions from women’s groups, organized labour unions, youth groups, and other stakeholders for consideration in the constitutional review process.
By Uthman Baba-Sirajdeen, Minna
