The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states in Nigeria, a move that, if approved, would increase the number of sub-national governments from 36 to 67.
The proposal was announced during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. According to Kalu, the committee’s recommendations were based on constitutional guidelines and the aspirations of various communities advocating for state creation.
Breakdown of proposed new states by region:
- North Central: Okun, Okura, Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa (Benue); FCT State
- North East: Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba)
- North West: New Kaduna, Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi)
- South East: Etiti, Orashi, Adada (Enugu); Orlu (Imo); Aba (Abia)
- South South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori, Obolo (Rivers)
- South West: Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ijebu (Ogun); Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun)
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Process for state creation
The committee outlined the constitutional requirements for creating new states, emphasizing the need for:
- A National Assembly act is supported by at least two-thirds of its members.
- Approval from the affected State House of Assembly and Local Government Councils.
- A referendum in the concerned areas, with results forwarded to the National Assembly for final approval.
The committee urged advocates of state creation to submit their memoranda in both hard and electronic copies, adhering strictly to constitutional guidelines.
The proposal marks one of the most ambitious state-creation efforts in Nigeria’s history, sparking debates on its feasibility and impact on governance.
