Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has signed into law a bill approving the creation of 29 new local government areas in the state.
This move, if ratified by the National Assembly, will expand the number of local governments in Bauchi from 20 to 49. The initiative aims to bring governance closer to residents and enhance administrative efficiency across the state.
A document obtained by Daily Trust revealed that the Acting Deputy Clerk of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Musa Yerima, has forwarded the proposal to the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review. The letter, addressed to Senator Barau Jibrin, the committee’s chairman, requested the National Assembly’s approval for ratification as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Yerima confirmed that the Bauchi State House of Assembly had passed the legislation in line with Section 100(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). He stated that the law was properly enacted following the necessary legislative procedures.
According to the letter, the additional local government areas will remain “inchoate” until the National Assembly enacts a law to give them full constitutional recognition. The request aligns with Section 8(5) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires federal approval for new local government creation.
Governor Bala Mohammed, in signing the law, emphasized his administration’s commitment to expanding governance access and ensuring equitable development. He noted that the growing population of Bauchi State — now estimated at 10 million — requires more administrative units to improve local participation and service delivery.
This legislative action marks one of the largest local government expansions in Nigeria’s recent history. Analysts say the move could influence future discussions on state restructuring and constitutional reform.
Observers also note that Bauchi’s request adds to growing debates about the creation of new administrative units across states. Some experts believe the expansion may strengthen local representation, while others worry about financial sustainability and potential boundary disputes.
The Bauchi State House of Assembly maintains that the process followed due legislative protocols and was driven by public demand during community consultations.
If approved, the creation of 29 new LGAs will make Bauchi one of Nigeria’s states with the highest number of local government areas.