By Abdulaziz T. Bako
The National Assembly is quietly processing over 80 constitutional amendments that could change the structure of Nigeria permanently. But most of us are not paying attention. This is not about party or tribe, it is about our future.
Just look at what happened in Kano. The State Government organized a public hearing on these bills, but the hall was mostly filled with Kwankwasiyya supporters, not because others were not invited, but because people are sleeping on what may be an existential threat to their region.
Reading through all 86 proposals, I couldn’t find a single clause that deliberately strengthens the North or addresses our developmental realities. The only visible “benefit” is that most of the proposals for the creation of new states and local governments are from Northern states, which is a clear reflection of our power-hungry leaders’ penchant for prioritizing territorial control over actual development. It’s the same mindset behind our endless creation of emirates across the North. Everyone just wants a title, a throne, or a kingdom they can personally rule, while the people remain poor, uneducated, and insecure.
Well, I want you to know that these reforms are not harmless. Many of them target the political, social, and economic foundations of Northern Nigeria. Leme break down a few of the most dangerous ones with what the bill says:
- 50% VAT Derivation
The FG’s push for 50% VAT derivation is especially dangerous and deceptive. The federal government is now trying to reintroduce 50% VAT derivation formula through the back door after it was fought and rejected in the recently enacted tax reform bill. This move is clearly designed to give Lagos state an undue advantage, allowing them to keep most of the VAT collected, while impoverishing Northern states that rely heavily on federal redistribution. In essence, Lagos and other few states will keep most VAT, and Northern states will lose billions.
- Resource Control – (HB 1310, HB 1406)
“States to have control over resources in their land… only remit 25% to the Federation Account.”
If this proposal passes, states will control the natural resources in their land and only remit 25% to the Federation Account. This would be catastrophic for Northern Nigeria, as most northern states heavily rely on the redistribution of oil revenue and VAT to fund their budgets, pay salaries, build infrastructure, and provide basic services. But with this reform, oil-producing states like Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta would keep 75% of their oil money, while the federal government would be left with less to share. The North, which has fewer natural resources and far lower internally generated revenue, would be left behind economically. This is clearly an economic secession and sabotage disguised as federalism. It will widen the already dangerous gap between North and South, and could plunge many northern states into deeper poverty, unrest, and dependency.
3.. Indigeneship Reform – (HB 2057, HB 1422, HB 70)
“Any person resident for 10 years… or married to an indigene shall be entitled to all rights of indigeneship.”
This means anyone can become an indigene of Kano, Katsina, or Sokoto after 10 years or by marriage. I would leave you to decide what this means for emlloyment opportunities and federal character.
- Ecclesiastical (Christian) Courts – (HB 79)
“Establish a system of Ecclesiastical Courts equivalent to Sharia Courts for Christians.”
You decide what you make of it.
This is just a sample. These reforms are coming fast and quietly. If we don’t speak up, they will be passed, and we may never recover from the consequences.
Share this, organize, and demand your state organize public hearings. Ask your religious leaders, lawmakers, and traditional rulers where they stand.
Abdulaziz Bako
7/25/2025