In a bold move set to transform the political and administrative landscape of Nigeria, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has officially received 31 requests from various regions across the country seeking the creation of new states. This crucial development, part of the ongoing constitution amendment process, has ignited a wave of discussions about Nigeria’s future governance structure, resource distribution, and the socio-economic development of its regions.
The committee, under the leadership of the Deputy Speaker of the House, Ben Kalu, announced the receipt of these proposals during a plenary session held on Thursday. Kalu confirmed that, in accordance with Section 8 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, the committee would proceed with processing the requests that meet the constitutional threshold required for state creation. This move has drawn widespread attention, as it signifies a major step toward fulfilling the long-standing calls for restructuring Nigeria’s political and administrative divisions.
The proposed new states span every region of the country, with each request highlighting the unique concerns and aspirations of the various communities involved. From the quest for greater local governance to the desire for more equitable distribution of resources and better representation, the requests reflect a broad spectrum of demands aimed at improving the quality of life for Nigerians. As the country grapples with regional inequalities, the proposals for new states represent a significant opportunity for marginalized regions to have a stronger voice in national affairs.
In the North-central region, there are seven key requests for new states. These include Okun, Okura, and Confluence states in Kogi State, as well as Benue Ala, Apa-Agba, and Apa states in Benue State. In addition to these, there is a request for the creation of a Federal Capital Territory State, which would separate the capital city of Abuja from the surrounding territories. This move aims to address the growing population and infrastructural challenges within the Federal Capital Territory and ensure a more efficient management structure.
The South-east region has put forward five requests for new states, with proposals for Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba states. The calls for new states from this region are motivated by the desire for better representation and more tailored governance solutions to address the region’s unique cultural, economic, and social needs. In particular, the South-east has long sought greater autonomy, with many arguing that the current political and administrative boundaries do not sufficiently reflect the region’s interests.
Meanwhile, the South-south region has also seen significant calls for state creation, with four requests in total. These include the creation of Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, and Ori and Obolo from Rivers State. The demand for new states in the South-south is largely driven by the need for more localized management of resources, as well as a greater focus on addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the region. The South-south is home to Nigeria’s oil-rich delta, and many believe that new states could help ensure a fairer distribution of the wealth generated by the region’s natural resources.
The South-west region, which is economically vibrant and politically influential, has also put forward several state creation proposals. These include Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Lagoon State from Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ife-Ijesha from Oyo, Ogun, and Osun states. These requests reflect a strong desire for greater control over local affairs and more focused development initiatives. As one of Nigeria’s most politically active regions, the South-west is keen on ensuring that new states will lead to more responsive governance, better economic opportunities, and enhanced social infrastructure.
The North-west region is also part of the ongoing state creation discourse, with several requests for new states. Among the proposals are New Kaduna and Gurara from Kaduna State, Tiga and Ari from Kano State, and Kainji from Kebbi State. These demands stem from perceptions of underdevelopment and the desire for more effective political representation in the face of rapid population growth and regional challenges. Advocates argue that creating new states in the North-west will address inequalities and ensure that smaller administrative units can better focus on their unique needs.
In the North-east, the proposed new states include Amana from Adamawa State, Katagum from Bauchi State, Savannah from Borno State, and Muri from Taraba State. This region has experienced significant challenges, including insurgency and poverty, and the creation of new states is seen by many as a means to provide better governance and increase local development. These requests emphasize the need for more resources and attention to be directed to the North-east to foster peace, security, and economic recovery.
The process for creating a new state in Nigeria is clearly outlined in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, but it is far from straightforward. The constitutional framework stipulates that for a new state to be created, several steps must be followed. Firstly, the request for the new state must be supported by a two-thirds majority of the members in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the House of Assembly in the proposed area and the local government councils. This ensures that the proposed state enjoys broad political and regional backing before it is considered for further action.
Once this legislative approval is secured, the next step is a referendum in the area requesting the new state. For the proposal to move forward, it must be approved by at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area. After the referendum, the result must be ratified by a simple majority of the states in the federation, along with support from the Houses of Assembly. Finally, the proposal must pass a resolution by a two-thirds majority of members in each House of the National Assembly. This rigorous process ensures that only proposals with wide-ranging support from both local communities and the national legislature are considered for statehood.
The implications of creating new states are profound, as it could result in a major shift in the balance of political power in Nigeria. Proponents of the move argue that it will allow for more equitable resource distribution, improved governance, and a more localized approach to addressing the specific needs of various regions. On the other hand, critics warn that the process could lead to increased fragmentation, which might dilute Nigeria’s unity and potentially create new political and social challenges.
As the process continues, the committee will review the proposed states and assess whether they meet the constitutional thresholds. The outcome of this process will be a defining moment for Nigeria’s future, as it could set the stage for a major reconfiguration of the country’s political landscape. Whether these 31 requests will lead to the creation of new states remains to be seen, but the ongoing debate reflects the changing dynamics of Nigerian governance and the country’s quest for a more inclusive, fair, and representative political system.
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