Reps Fast-Track Bill to Create More LGAs in Benue, Scales Second Reading

|By Chinwendu Nwani

The House of Representatives has advanced a constitutional amendment bill seeking to create additional Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State, as the proposal scaled second reading on the floor of the National Assembly.

The bill — tagged HB2527 — is sponsored by Rep. David Ogewu (APC–Oju/Obi), who argued that Benue’s expanding population and vast landmass make the creation of new LGAs imperative for equitable development and efficient grassroots governance.

Leading debate on Tuesday, October 28, Ogewu said the amendment would decentralize power and bring government closer to underserved communities. He maintained that inadequate local councils had slowed development across rural areas in the North-Central state.

Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogar (Ezza South/Ikwo), who seconded the motion, endorsed the bill as a strategic move to deepen democracy and improve service delivery at the grassroots.

Ogewu recalled that former Governor George Akume made similar attempts in 2007 to expand Benue’s local council structure — an effort that failed to scale legislative approval at the time.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Constitutional Review for further legislative action.