The push for state creation in Nigeria has gained momentum as the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution announced it has received 32 proposals for the establishment of new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
During plenary on Thursday, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read a letter outlining the conditions that must be met for the proposed states to be considered.
According to the committee, the proposals include seven states from the North Central, four from the North East, five from the North West, five from the South East, four from the South South, and seven from the South West.
Among the states being considered are:
- North Central: Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa-Agba, and Apa (Benue); FCT State.
- North East: Amana (Adamawa), Katagum (Bauchi), Savannah (Borno), and Muri (Taraba).
- North West: New Kaduna, Gujarat (Kaduna), Tiga, Ghari (Kano), and Kainji (Kebbi).
- South East: Etiti (covering the five Southeast states), Orashi (Imo and Rivers), Adada (Enugu), Orlu (Imo and Abia), and Aba (Abia).
- South South: Ogoja (Cross River), Warri (Delta), Bori, Obolo (Rivers), and Toru-Ebe (Edo, Delta, and Ondo).
- South West: Ibadan (Oyo), Lagoon (Lagos and Ogun), Ijebu (Ogun), and Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo, Ogun, and Osun).
The proposed state creation process remains a complex constitutional matter, requiring approval from the National Assembly, state assemblies, and a referendum.