The movement for the creation of new states in Nigeria has intensified, with the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution confirming it has received 32 proposals from different geopolitical zones.
In a letter read at plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the committee outlined the constitutional conditions necessary for state creation and urged all proponents to adhere strictly to the requirements.
Proposed New States Across Nigeria
The proposals cover all six geopolitical zones, with the breakdown as follows:
- North Central (7): Okun, Okura, Confluence, Benue Ala, Apa-Agba, Apa, and FCT State.
- North East (4): Amana (Adamawa), Katagum (Bauchi), Savannah (Borno), and Muri (Taraba).
- North West (5): New Kaduna, Gurara (Kaduna), Tiga and Ghari (Kano), and Kainji (Kebbi).
- South East (5): Etiti (five Southeast states), Orashi (Imo/Rivers), Adada (Enugu), Orlu (Imo/Abia), and Aba (Abia).
- South South (4): Ogoja (Cross River), Warri (Delta), Bori and Obolo (Rivers), and Toru-Ebe (Edo/Delta/Ondo).
- South West (7): Ibadan (Oyo), Lagoon (Lagos/Ogun), Ijebu (Ogun), and Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun).
The constitutional provisions require that any request for new states be supported by at least two-thirds majority votes in the National Assembly, state Houses of Assembly, and affected local government councils. Additionally, a referendum must be conducted, with the results forwarded to the National Assembly for further legislative action.
Ijaw People Demand Two New States
Amidst these proposals, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has renewed its demand for the creation of Toribé and Oil River states. INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba argued that the Ijaw people Nigeria’s fourth-largest ethnic group have been politically and economically marginalized, with only one homogeneous state, Bayelsa.
He stressed that Niger Delta’s unique terrain has hindered infrastructure development, making state creation crucial for economic inclusion, political representation, and national equity.
“The creation of Toribé and Oil River states is not a privilege but a necessity,” Okaba stated, urging the National Assembly leadership to prioritize the demand in the ongoing constitutional review.
The Path Forward
As the deadline for submitting proposals March 5, 2025 approaches, all stakeholders must ensure compliance with constitutional guidelines. With rising demands from various regions, the next phase will involve rigorous legislative scrutiny, state-level approvals, and possible referendums before any new state can be created.
The debate over state creation is expected to remain a focal point in Nigeria’s political landscape, as calls for equity, development, and representation continue to shape the nation’s federal structure.
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