Daud Olatunji
The House of Representatives Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution has proposed the creation of 31 additional states across Nigeria.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that this move, presented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, is aimed at restructuring the country’s geopolitical landscape.
He said If approved, it would increase the number of states in Nigeria from the current 36 to 67.
The proposal, which was read aloud by Kalu during a plenary session on Thursday, outlines plans for the establishment of new states in each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The initiative is part of the ongoing review of Nigeria’s constitution, aiming to address concerns regarding the balance of power and regional representation.
According to the letter read by the Deputy Speaker, the proposed new states and their locations are as follows:
North-Central
Benue Ala State (from Benue State)
Okun State (from Kogi State)
Okura State (from Kogi State)
Confluence State (from Kogi State)
Apa-Agba State (from Benue South Senatorial District)
Apa State (from Benue State)
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as a 37th state
North-East
Amana State (from Adamawa State)
Katagum State (from Bauchi State)
Savannah State (from Borno State)
Muri State (from Taraba State)
North-West
New Kaduna State and Gurara State (from Kaduna State)
Tiga State (from Kano State)
Kainji State (from Kebbi State)
Ghari State (from Kano State)
South-East
Etiti State (a new state for the South-East)
Adada State (from Enugu State)
Urashi State (a new state for the South-East)
Orlu State (from the South-East)
Aba State (from the South-East)
South-South
Ogoja State (from Cross River State)
Warri State (from Delta State)
Bori State (from Rivers State)
Obolo State (from Rivers and Akwa Ibom States)
South-West
Toru-Ebe State (from Delta, Edo, and Ondo States)
Ibadan State (from Oyo State)
Lagoon State (from Lagos State)
Ijebu State (from Ogun State)
Lagoon State (from Lagos and Ogun States)
Ife-Ijesha State (from Oyo State)
Oke-Ogun State (from Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States)
Kalu added that the proposal is part of ongoing efforts to promote equitable development across all regions of the country.
He explained that the creation of new states requires a lengthy process outlined in Nigeria’s constitution.
According to him,for the proposal to be realized, a significant majority—at least two-thirds—of members in the National Assembly, as well as state and local government councils, must endorse the plan.
He said additionally, the state houses of assembly in the affected regions must also participate in a referendum.
The committee emphasized that the legislative process to create new states must adhere strictly to the constitutional provisions and guidelines.
Local governments advocating for the creation of additional areas are reminded that they must follow specific rules for submissions.
According to the committee, proposals must include three hard copies of full documentation and be submitted to the committee’s office in Abuja.Additionally, an electronic copy should be sent to the committee’s email address.
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