Bill for State Control of Resources Advances in House of Reps

The House of Representatives has passed through second reading a Bill aimed at amending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to transfer water resources and mining rights to the Concurrent Legislative List. This would allow state governments to have control over water resources for various uses such as domestic, commercial, industrial, irrigation, and power generation, as well as access to mines within their territories.

The proposed amendment, which also aims to provide financial autonomy for Local Government Councils, was presented by the House leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, on behalf of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and 33 other lawmakers.

The Bill seeks to allow states to manage their natural resources, including oil fields, minerals, and natural gas, while involving state governments in mining-related matters within their jurisdictions. This move, if successfully passed, would mark a significant shift in the allocation of power between the federal government and states.

During the plenary session, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu conducted a voice vote, which resulted in the Bill passing for second reading with the support of the majority of lawmakers.

The Bill’s explanatory memorandum notes that the amendment to Part 1 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution will ensure that states are more involved in resource management within their regions, a step that is expected to improve local governance and economic autonomy.