House of Reps Proposes Creation of Additional LGAs in Benue State

The House of Representatives has initiated moves for the creation of additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, a development aimed at enhancing grassroots governance, promoting equitable resource distribution, and addressing long-standing agitation from communities seeking administrative autonomy.

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This proposal, currently before the House Committee on State and Local Government Affairs, follows a motion sponsored by several lawmakers from Benue State, who argued that the existing 23 LGAs no longer reflect the population growth, geographical size, and developmental needs of the state.

The Push for Administrative Balance

Hon. Philip Agbese, who represents Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, led the debate on the motion, noting that Benue’s population has grown significantly since the state’s current LGAs were created in 1996. He emphasized that the creation of additional LGAs would bring governance closer to the people and fast-track socio-economic development.

According to Agbese, “Many communities in Benue State are too large and distant from their current council headquarters. This situation has hindered effective governance, limited infrastructural development, and made access to public services difficult. Creating new local governments will enhance participation, inclusion, and service delivery.”

He further highlighted that Benue State, known for its large landmass and rich cultural diversity, has communities that have long been demanding recognition as separate administrative units. He said the proposal was not politically motivated but rather a response to years of genuine agitation and developmental necessity.

Details of the Proposal

Under the proposed framework, the House is considering the creation of at least ten additional LGAs in Benue State, bringing the total to 33. The new LGAs are expected to emerge from existing districts and communities that have met the constitutional requirements — including population size, cultural identity, economic viability, and administrative convenience.

Among the proposed LGAs are Adikpo South, Naka Central, Otukpa North, Ugbokolo, Sankera West, and Makurdi North. Lawmakers argue that these areas already function as economic and administrative hubs and thus qualify for independent local government status.

The motion also directs the National Boundary Commission, the National Population Commission, and the Federal Character Commission to collaborate with the Benue State Government to carry out feasibility studies and boundary delineation before the final approval process.

Constitutional and Political Implications

The 1999 Constitution stipulates that the creation of new LGAs requires both state and federal legislative approval. Therefore, even if the Benue State House of Assembly passes a resolution supporting the new LGAs, it must still receive the endorsement of the National Assembly for constitutional recognition and inclusion in the 1999 Constitution’s First Schedule.

Observers note that this could pose a major challenge, as several previous attempts by state governments to create LGAs have stalled due to constitutional bottlenecks. For instance, the 37 newly created development areas in Lagos State have yet to gain full federal recognition despite operating for years at the state level.

Nonetheless, the House of Representatives assured that it would work closely with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, commended the sponsors of the motion and noted that decentralizing governance through additional LGAs aligns with the current administration’s commitment to grassroots development and inclusivity.

Stakeholders React

The proposal has elicited mixed reactions among stakeholders in Benue State. While many community leaders and traditional rulers welcomed the move, others expressed concern over the financial implications.

Chief Tersoo Igbalumun, a traditional leader from Gwer East, applauded the initiative, saying it would “end the marginalization of smaller communities and allow for more effective representation.”

However, some civil society groups, including the Benue Civil Rights Network, warned that the move could overstretch the state’s finances. “While we support grassroots development, the government must ensure that new LGAs are financially sustainable,” said the group’s spokesperson, Mrs. Dooshima Aondo.

The House Committee on State and Local Government Affairs has been mandated to conduct a public hearing in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, to gather input from citizens, traditional rulers, community organizations, and experts on the proposed new LGAs. The outcome of the public hearing will form part of the committee’s report to be presented before the plenary for consideration.

If approved, the bill for the creation of new LGAs in Benue State will move to the Senate for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

The proposal to create additional Local Government Areas in Benue State underscores Nigeria’s ongoing effort to deepen democracy and decentralize governance. While the move has rekindled hope among marginalized communities, it also raises important questions about fiscal sustainability, administrative readiness, and constitutional hurdles.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could reshape the political and developmental landscape of Benue State, bringing government closer to millions of residents and setting a precedent for similar reforms across the federation.