NEW STATES PROPOSED IN NIGERIA

  The push for state creation in Nigeria has come as the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has received 31 proposals for new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones. This announcement was made during a plenary session on Thursday, where Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read a letter outlining the criteria that must be met before any new state can be approved.

For years, various ethnic and regional groups

have agitated for new states, arguing that the existing state structure does not adequately address their developmental needs. The recent proposals reignite debates about governance, resource allocation, and political representation in Nigeria.

The 31 proposed states span across the country’s six geopolitical zones, with multiple states being considered in each region:

North Central: Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State

North East: Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba)

North West: New Kaduna and Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi)

South East: Etiti and Orashi (a proposed 6th state in the South East); Adada (Enugu); Orlu and Aba

South South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (Rivers)

South West: Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ijebu and Ogun (Ogun); Oke-Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun)

The demand for new states is not new in Nigeria. Many advocates believe that creating more states will enhance governance, ensure better representation, and bring development closer to the grassroots. Some ethnic groups argue that they have been historically marginalized and need their own states to achieve political and economic empowerment.

For instance, proponents of Orlu State in the South East argue that their region has fewer states than other geopolitical zones, limiting their political influence. Similarly, advocates for Ibadan State believe that Oyo State is too large and that the city of Ibadan deserves a distinct political identity.

While the demand for new states continues to grow, the process of state creation in Nigeria is highly

complex and difficult. According to the 1999 Constitution, a new state can only be created if it meets stringent requirements, including:

Support from two-thirds of the local government areas in the affected state(s)

Approval by the National Assembly and the President

A nationwide referendum supported by a majority of voters

In the past, similar proposals have failed due to political interests, lack of consensus, and economic concerns. Critics argue that Nigeria’s economy cannot sustain more states, as many existing states already struggle to generate revenue and depend heavily on federal allocations.

Now that the proposals have been submitted, the House Committee on Constitutional Review will examine them and determine if they meet the constitutional requirements. The process could take months or even years, and there is no guarantee that any of the proposed states will be created.

However, the announcement has sparked fresh debates about Nigeria’s state structure and whether more states will truly bring the desired development or create additional political and economic challenges.

What do you think about the creation of new states? Would it solve Nigeria’s governance problems or create more? Share your thoughts!***PRBXSELFNETWORK***