Nigeria is on the cusp of a substantial political restructuring after the recent proposal by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution to establish 31 new states throughout the nation. If authorized, this proposal will expand the number of Nigerian states from the existing 36 (including the Federal Capital Territory) to 67, marking one of the most comprehensive state construction initiatives in the country’s history.
The motion was officially submitted at a plenary session on February 6, 2025, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The group, headed by Kalu himself, presented a letter explaining the comprehensive recommendations for new states, which encompass all six geographical zones of Nigeria: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South-South, and South West.
This plan is part of continuous attempts to solve Nigeria’s complicated ethnic, political, and administrative difficulties by establishing new sub-national entities that proponents claim would bring the government closer to the people, improve resource allocation, and strengthen political participation.
The planned states have been carefully apportioned among the geopolitical zones as follows:
North Central: 6 new states
North East: 4 new states
North West: 5 new states
South East: 5 new states
South-South: 4 new states
South West: 7 new states
This geographical dispersion shows an effort to balance regional interests and accommodate numerous ethnic groups wanting more autonomy and recognition.
The proposals include new states carved out from existing ones, frequently reflecting ethnic or cultural identities and administrative convenience. Some of the prominent proposed states include:
North Central Zone
Okun State, Okura State, and Confluence State from Kogi State
Benue Ala State and Apa State from Benue State
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) State, which would constitute the FCT as a complete state
North East Zone
Amana State from Adamawa State
Katagum State from Bauchi State
Savannah State from Borno State
Muri State from Taraba State
Kwararafa State and South Sardauna State from Taraba (additional ideas)
North West Zone
New Kaduna State and Gurara State from Kaduna State
Tiga State and Ghari State from Kano State
Kainji State from Kebbi (and part of Niger State in some plans)
Hadejia State from Jigawa and Gobir State from Sokoto have both been mentioned.
South East Zone
Etiti and Orashi States as extra states in the area
Adada State from Enugu State
Orlu and Aba States from the South East
South-South Zone
Ogoja State from Cross River State
Warri State from Delta State
Ori and Obolo States from Rivers State
South West Zone
Torumbe State from Ondo State
Ibadan State from Oyo State
Lagoon State from Lagos State
Ogun State and Ijebu State from Ogun State
Oke Ogun/Ijesha State encompassing Oyo, Ogun, and Osun States
The formation of new states in Nigeria is controlled by severe constitutional standards. According to the plan, for a new state to be founded, it must have the backing of at least two-thirds of the National Assembly members. Additionally, the House of Representatives, the appropriate State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils in the impacted districts must adopt the plan. A referendum among the affected communities is also a constitutional necessity.
Despite the excitement around the idea, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendment has already rejected the first batch of 31 proposals, alleging inability to fulfill these constitutional standards. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu revealed that none of the suggestions matched the essential legal requirements for consideration during a retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, in late February 2025.
The committee has, however, extended the time for communities to alter and resubmit their plans by March 5, 2025, and hinted at the prospect of future extensions depending on the result of continuing discussions.
If the idea finally succeeds, Nigeria will become a federation with 67 states, exceeding even the United States, which has 50 states. This growth might have substantial ramifications for Nigeria’s political environment, including:
More states might imply better local government and higher political participation for minority groups and underprivileged populations. It might also lead to a more equal allocation of government resources.
New states may draw government appropriations, infrastructure development, and investment, possibly strengthening local economies. However, the financial viability of these such states remains a problem given Nigeria’s present economic woes.
State building has traditionally been a tactic for addressing ethnic conflicts in Nigeria. While it may lessen tensions in certain places by offering autonomy, it might also create new demands and disputes over borders and resources.
Managing a higher number of states will need considerable alterations in federal administration, budgets, and intergovernmental relations.
The plan has garnered conflicting responses from political leaders, civic society, and the general public. Some regard it as a welcome move toward decentralization and inclusion, while others warn against the hazards of political fragmentation and higher government expense.
The House Committee on the Review of the Constitution continues to study 151 constitutional amendment proposals intended at resolving different governance difficulties in Nigeria, with state formation being a significant yet controversial subject.
As the process proceeds, localities interested in state formation must verify their bids conform completely with constitutional requirements to have a chance of acceptance. The extended deadline gives time for stakeholders to participate in discourse, develop agreement, and improve their recommendations.
The plan to establish 31 new states in Nigeria constitutes a bold effort to restructure the country’s federal structure. While it offers increased representation and possible development advantages, it also confronts considerable constitutional challenges and political complexity. The following months will be vital as politicians, communities, and interest groups negotiate the convoluted process of state formation in Nigeria, a step that might reshape the nation’s political and administrative structure for decades to come.
This thorough news item covers the core and ramifications of the House of Representatives proposal for additional states in Nigeria, drawn upon verifiable sources and official pronouncements.
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