The Nigerian House of Representatives has received proposals seeking the creation of 31 additional states across the country, a move that could significantly alter the nation’s geopolitical landscape.
The request was announced during the House plenary session on Tuesday by the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, who also serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review.
Mr. Kalu emphasized that while the House acknowledges the aspirations of Nigerians for expanded administrative structures, the process of state creation is constitutionally rigorous and demands strict adherence to legal procedures.
He outlined the fundamental requirements as stipulated in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including approval by the National Assembly, support from state houses of assembly, and a referendum involving the affected communities.
According to Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution, the creation of new states requires a complex process involving multiple stages of legislative approval, referendum, and presidential assent.
The Deputy Speaker reiterated that the 10th National Assembly remains committed to a constitutional amendment process that reflects the yearnings of citizens while ensuring national unity and stability.
“The House recognizes the calls for restructuring and administrative decentralization, but these proposals must go through due legislative diligence, state creation is not just a political exercise but a constitutional responsibility that demands broad consensus and legal compliance, Kalu stated.”
The proposals for additional states span Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, highlighting widespread demands for administrative restructuring, improved governance, and equitable distribution of resources.
While the specific states being proposed were not immediately disclosed, sources indicate that the submissions include long-standing agitations from ethnic and regional groups seeking greater autonomy and representation.
Historically, state creation in Nigeria has been driven by ethnic, economic, and political considerations. The last major restructuring occurred in 1996 under the military regime of General Sani Abacha, which increased the number of states from 30 to the current 36.
The new proposals, if approved, would bring the total number of states to 67, marking the most significant administrative expansion in Nigeria’s history.
The call for new states has elicited mixed reactions from political analysts, civil society groups, and economic experts. While proponents argue that additional states would enhance governance, economic development, and local representation, critics warn of the financial burden on the federal structure, given the heavy reliance of states on allocations from the central government.
Legal scholars also caution that the constitutional amendment process could be contentious, requiring broad political consensus across different levels of government.
Additionally, questions remain about the feasibility of sustaining more states within Nigeria’s current economic framework, especially amid concerns over revenue generation, infrastructure development, and fiscal responsibility.
The proposals have now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, which is expected to conduct further legislative scrutiny, stakeholder consultations, and public hearings before any formal legislative action.
The process will also require engagement with the Senate, state legislatures, and ultimately, the Nigerian electorate if the proposals advance to the referendum stage.
The proposed new states are Okun, Okura and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; FCT state; Amana state from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi states and Savannah states from Borno and Muri State from Taraba.
Others are New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi State; Etiti and Orashi as the 6th state in the South East Adada from Enugu, Orlu and Aba from the South East.
Also included are Ogoja from Cross River State, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun state as well as Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.
