The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has officially withdrawn the controversial Indigeneship Bill from parliamentary consideration, citing widespread stakeholder concerns and the need for further legislative consultation.
The withdrawal was confirmed in a statement issued late Tuesday evening, where Kalu explained that the move was prompted by constructive feedback from a cross-section of Nigerians, as well as the findings of a Bill Analysis Report submitted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).
Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, acknowledged the bill’s intentions but emphasised that caution was necessary.
“States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit from the same rights and privileges enjoyed by indigenes without any form of discrimination, as rightly provided for in the constitution,” the NILDS report noted.
While the bill aimed to promote inclusiveness and national unity by granting equal rights to non-indigenes residing in various states, the report raised potential legal and administrative complications, including issues of dual or multiple indigeneship.
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“Though the bill seeks to achieve some commendable objectives, however, this can be achieved through enactment of law. If this bill is passed, it would pose challenges with time, especially on the issue of double or multiple indigeneship,” the report stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to a transparent and people-driven legislative process, Kalu urged Nigerians to continue engaging with the Constitution Review Committee.
“As leaders and representatives, we remain committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the aspirations of the people we serve,” he said.
“The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise, and no provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building.
“I therefore call on citizens to continue engaging constructively with the House Committee on Constitutional Review as we work together to build a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
The withdrawal of the Indigeneship Bill marks a significant step in the ongoing constitutional reform process, reflecting lawmakers’ responsiveness to public input and commitment to inclusive governance.
