The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, has announced the withdrawal of the controversial Indigeneship Bill from the National Assembly to allow for broader legislative engagements and consultations. The decision, made public on Tuesday, follows intense debates and public scrutiny over the proposed legislation.
The Indigeneship Bill, formally known as the “Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for Indigeneship Rights,” sought to redefine criteria for determining indigeneship status in Nigerian communities. The bill aimed to address issues of residency, integration, and access to socio-economic rights for long-term residents in states outside their places of origin. However, it sparked concerns among lawmakers and citizens about potential discrimination, tribalism, and the erosion of cultural identities.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Kalu explained that the withdrawal was a strategic move to ensure wider stakeholder input and to refine the bill’s provisions. “The Indigeneship Bill was proposed with the noble intention of fostering national unity and addressing inequalities faced by Nigerians living outside their states of origin,” Kalu said. “However, in light of diverse perspectives and concerns raised, I have decided to withdraw the bill temporarily to allow for more robust consultations with stakeholders, including traditional leaders, state governments, and civil society organizations.”
Kalu emphasized that the decision reflects the House’s commitment to inclusive lawmaking and sensitivity to Nigeria’s diverse cultural landscape. He assured the public that the bill would be reintroduced after necessary amendments to address contentious clauses and align with the aspirations of Nigerians.
The withdrawal has elicited mixed reactions. Some lawmakers, including Hon. Amina Yusuf from Kano State, commended Kalu’s decision, describing it as a demonstration of democratic responsiveness. “This move shows that the House listens to the people. We need legislation that unites, not divides,” she said. Conversely, a coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of the Nigerian Unity Forum expressed disappointment, arguing that the bill’s withdrawal delays efforts to address systemic marginalization faced by non-indigenes in various states.
The Deputy Speaker has pledged to fast-track consultations and ensure that a revised version of the bill reflects the principles of fairness, equity, and national cohesion. No timeline has been set for the bill’s reintroduction, but Kalu assured Nigerians that the legislative process would be transparent and inclusive.
This development marks the latest chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address constitutional and social issues surrounding indigeneship, a topic that has historically stirred debates about federalism, resource allocation, and communal identity.
