The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has received 32 proposals for the creation of new states across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
The proposed states are distributed as follows:- *Northcentral 7 states, including Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi.
*Northeast*: 4 states, including Amana from Adamawa and Katagum from Bauchi.
*Northwest: 5 states, including New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna-.
Southeast*: 5 states, including Etiti from the five Southeast states and Orashi from Imo and Rivers.
Southsouth*: 4 states, including Ogoja from Cross River and Warri from Delta-.
Southwest*: 7 states, including Ibadan from Oyo and Lagoon from Lagos and Ogun.
The creation of new states is governed by Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled.
These requirements include a request supported by at least two-thirds majority of members representing the area demanding the creation of the new state in the Senate, House of Representatives, state House of Assembly, and local government councils.The Ijaw National Congress has also reiterated its demand for two additional states, Toribé and Oil River, to address the political and economic marginalization of the Ijaw people.
In a letter presented at plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the committee outlined the necessary conditions for these proposals.
The breakdown includes seven states from Northcentral, four from Northeast, five from Northwest, five from Southeast, four from Southsouth, and seven from Southwest.Proposed states under consideration are Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala, Apa-Agba, and Apa from Benue; FCT state; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; and Muri from Taraba.Additional proposals include New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna, Tiga and Ghari from Kano, Kainji from Kebbi, Etiti from the five Southeast states, Orashi from Imo and Rivers, Adada from Enugu, Orlu from Imo and Abia, and Aba from Abia.
Further proposals consist of Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Bori and Obolo from Rivers, Toru-Ebe from Edo, Delta, and Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun states.Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) specifies the requirements necessary to initiate the process of state creation.
The letter signed by the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee states: “The Committee has reviewed the proposals for the creation of new states in accordance with Section 8(1).“
This section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which includes boundary adjustments, etc.“An Act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if (a) a request, supported by at least two-thirds majority of members (representing the area demanding the creation of the new state) in each of the following, namely – the Senate and the House of Representatives, (ii) the House of Assembly in respect of the area, and the local government councils in respect of the area, is received by the National Assembly.“Advocates for the creation of additional local government areas are also reminded that Section 8 applies to this process.“Specifically, in accordance with Section 8(3) of the Constitution, the outcomes of the votes by the state Houses of Assembly and the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for further legislative action.“Proposals should be re-submitted in strict adherence to these stipulations.“Submit three (3) hard copies of all proposals and memoranda to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, no later than 5th March 2025.“Soft copies must also be sent electronically to the committee’s email address at info@hccr.gov.ng.“
The committee remains committed to supporting legitimate efforts that align with constitutional provisions and will only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines.”
Additionally, a bill proposing the creation of Etiti from the five Southeast states is pending before the House of Representatives and passed its second reading in July of last year. The bill is sponsored by Amobi Ogah (LP, Abia), Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo), Kama Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi), Chinwe Nnabuife (YPP, Anambra), and Anayo Onwuegbu (LP, Enugu).According to the synopsis of the bill, the proposed state will comprise 11 local government areas (LGAs). These include Isuikwuato and Umunneochi from Abia; Orumba North and Orumba South from Anambra; Ivo and Ohaozara from Ebonyi; Aninri, Awgu, and Oji River from Enugu; and Okigwe and Onuimo from Imo.
The designated capital of the state is Lokpanta, currently located in Umunneochi, Abia State.
Ijaw Demands Two StatesAlso yesterday, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) reiterated its call for two additional states – Toribé and Oil River – to address what it described as the longstanding political and economic marginalization of the Ijaw people.Its president, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, emphasized that the Niger Delta faces unique developmental challenges due to its difficult terrain. He noted that this situation has hindered the provision of essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and healthcare facilities.“
The development in Niger Delta is uniquely challenging due to its difficult terrain,” Okaba stated.“ The current state structure has failed to address these, leaving the area without basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and healthcare.”
He pointed out that despite being the fourth-largest ethnic group in Nigeria, the Ijaw people have only one homogeneous state, Bayelsa, which represents less than one-third of their total population. Okaba believes that state creation is fundamental for federal representation, asserting that without the proposed Toribé and Oil River States, the Ijaw people would continue to be politically marginalized.“
The creation of Toribé and Oil River states is an urgent necessity, not actually a privilege,” he stated.“It will correct historical injustice, promote political inclusion, build economic development, and secure a better future for the Ijaw people.” Prof. Okaba commended the leadership of the National Assembly for its commitment to transparency, good governance, and national development. He urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and all distinguished lawmakers to prioritize the demand for state creation in the ongoing constitutional review process.“
The Ijaw people have endured decades of political marginalization, and the time for justice is now,” he concluded.