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By Tracy Moses
The Kogi State Government has called on the National Assembly to adopt sweeping reforms in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, advocating for the creation of state police, increased control of natural resources by states, and broader autonomy to address local governance challenges.
The state’s position was presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muiz Abdullahi, SAN, on behalf of Governor Usman Ododo, during the North Central Zonal Constitution Review hearing held in Minna, Niger State.
The session, convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, involved stakeholders from Kogi, Kwara, and Niger states.
Governor Ododo praised the House of Representatives for taking proactive steps to address constitutional gaps and promote a more representative framework of governance. He noted that the review exercise offers a rare opportunity to correct longstanding constitutional imbalances.
The Governor highlighted the need for the constitution to eliminate uncertainties around the division of legislative responsibilities between the federal and state governments.
“For example, while the Constitution clearly assigns items on the Exclusive Legislative List to the federal government and shares items on the Concurrent List between both levels of government, there remains a grey area regarding laws enacted by state assemblies on matters outside these two lists,” he explained. “Section 4(5) prioritizes federal laws in the event of conflict, but what happens when the matter is residual or unlisted? This needs to be clarified.”
Ododo strongly advocated for the decentralization of powers, noting that enabling states to take charge of security, resource utilization, and policy-making would significantly enhance governance effectiveness.
“In a nation as diverse as Nigeria, pushing more power to the states is not just ideal but necessary,” he said. “It enables each region to design home-grown solutions that directly respond to its unique challenges.”
Citing Section 39 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution, which gives the federal government sole authority over mineral resources, the Governor said the clause has deprived states of vital development opportunities.
“As it stands, states cannot regulate, tax, or manage mineral resources within their territories,” he noted. “This over-centralization hinders local engagement and development. Shifting control to the states will encourage better oversight, ensure environmental compliance, and empower host communities.”
He also emphasized the need to revise the revenue allocation formula and promote improved synergy on environmental management between all tiers of government.
Speaking further at the event, Kogi Attorney General Abdullahi cautioned the Constitution Review Committee against fast-tracking the process at the expense of thoroughness. He stressed the need for deep consultations and comprehensive deliberations to ensure that the resulting constitution truly reflects the people’s will.
“This should not be a hurried process,” Abdullahi said. “Let us create a constitution that Nigerians can genuinely relate to, one that serves the people and not the other way around.”
He urged the committee to study the constitutional processes of countries like the United States and China, where national charters have emerged through sustained dialogue and consensus-building.
“We must move beyond sentiment and politics. Let’s focus on building a document that unites, empowers, and drives national progress,” he added. “This is the only way the amended constitution will gain legitimacy and foster unity across Nigeria.”