Lawmakers renew debate on State Creation in Nigeria, proposing six new states to promote fairness, equity, and better representation across the six geopolitical zones.
The long-standing issue of State Creation in Nigeria has returned to the front burner as lawmakers propose the establishment of six new states across the country.
The move, championed by the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, aims to promote fairness, equity, and balance among the six geopolitical zones.
During a two-day retreat in Lagos, the joint committee—co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu—deliberated on 69 constitutional amendment bills.
These included 55 proposals for new states, two for boundary adjustments, and 278 for the creation of new local government areas.
After exhaustive discussions, the committee reached a unanimous resolution recommending that six new states be created, one from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
If approved, the number of states in the country will rise from 36 to 42—a development that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political and administrative structure.
Under the proposed arrangement, both the South-South and South-West zones will each have seven states, while the South-East will increase to six.
The North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones will each have seven states. Lawmakers described this proposal as a step toward achieving fairness, inclusivity, and equitable distribution of political representation nationwide.
A senior legislator familiar with the committee’s deliberations said the decision was made “in the spirit of fairness and equity.”
He added that the committee considered historical, cultural, and administrative factors to ensure that each region benefits equally from the state creation exercise.
To actualize this plan, the committee has set up a sub-committee to identify the areas from which the six proposed states will emerge. The Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, has been appointed to lead the team, which will examine all 55 state creation requests and recommend viable options.
A lawmaker representing the North-West zone explained that the sub-committee would “meticulously review all requests with fairness, objectivity, and transparency.”
According to him, the team will ensure that the process is free from political bias and guided by the principles of national interest.
However, creating new states in Nigeria is no easy task. The Constitution stipulates that any alteration to the number or boundaries of states must receive approval from two-thirds of the National Assembly and two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly in all 36 states.
This high threshold has made similar efforts unsuccessful in the past, with most proposals failing to secure the required legislative backing.
Despite the hurdles, calls for State Creation in Nigeria have intensified in recent years. Across different zones, regional groups and traditional rulers have continued to demand new states to address perceived marginalization and administrative challenges.
In Delta North, advocates are pushing for the creation of Anioma State, which they propose should be merged with the South-East geopolitical zone. Supporters argue that such a move would promote unity among Igbo-speaking communities and correct perceived regional imbalances.
In the South-West, pressure is mounting for the creation of Ibadan State out of Oyo State. During the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, the demand was presented to President Bola Tinubu.
The monarch reiterated that his people desire Ibadan State to be established before or by 2027, describing it as “a long-overdue aspiration.”
Political observers believe that if the new proposal succeeds, it will mark Nigeria’s most significant constitutional reform since 1996, when the late General Sani Abacha increased the number of states from 30 to 36.
Analysts have offered mixed reactions to the latest proposal. Supporters of State Creation in Nigeria argue that the move would deepen federalism, bring governance closer to the people, and promote balanced development.
They believe that smaller and more responsive administrative units will ensure better service delivery and representation.
Critics, however, caution that additional states could strain Nigeria’s already stretched financial resources. They warn that creating new bureaucracies, infrastructures, and political offices may increase government expenditure unless properly planned and managed.
Economists also point out that the viability of some existing states remains questionable, given their dependence on federal allocations. They argue that rather than creating new states, government should focus on strengthening fiscal independence, local governance, and economic diversification.
Nevertheless, supporters maintain that State Creation in Nigeria is not merely about administration but about identity, equity, and justice. Many communities believe that having their own states would empower them politically, attract investment, and enhance development.
The Joint Committee on Constitution Review is expected to submit its final report to both chambers of the National Assembly in the first week of November. If adopted, the report will then be transmitted to all 36 state assemblies for ratification—a process that will determine whether the proposed states become a reality.
For now, Nigerians are watching closely as the debate over State Creation in Nigeria continues to dominate public discourse. While optimism grows among advocacy groups, history shows that such efforts require not just legislative will but also national consensus.
The coming months will reveal whether this latest push will finally overcome the constitutional and political hurdles that have long hindered state creation efforts. If successful, it could reshape Nigeria’s political map and strengthen its federal foundation for decades to come.
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