JUST IN: Bill to Create Ogoja State Passes Second Reading in House of Representatives

A bill proposing the creation of Ogoja State from Cross River has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, co-sponsored by Godwin Offiono, a lawmaker from Cross River, along with three other representatives, seeks to alter the 1999 constitution to carve out the new state in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria.

During Thursday’s plenary session, the bill was put to a voice vote by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and received majority support. Following this, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further deliberation.

This proposal joins a growing list of bills advocating for the creation of new states across the country.

The Constitutional Challenge

Amending the 1999 Constitution to create a new state presents a significant legislative hurdle. Section 8(1) of the constitution outlines a complex process, requiring the backing of at least two-thirds of the members representing the affected area in the Senate, the House of Representatives, the State House of Assembly, and local government councils.

Additionally, the bill must be supported by at least two-thirds of the population in the area through a referendum. Finally, the referendum results must gain approval from a simple majority of states in the federation, and pass by a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.

While the National Assembly is currently engaged in constitutional amendments, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has indicated that the process may not be completed until December 2025.

It is noteworthy that no new state has been created in Nigeria since the country returned to democratic governance in 1999.