Proposed creation of 30 new states sparks nationwide debate

A fresh proposal by the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee to create 31 additional states in Nigeria has elicited strong reactions from prominent individuals and socio-political groups across the country.

If approved, the proposal would increase Nigeria’s current 36 states to 67, alongside the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The letter, read during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, detailed the proposed states across the six geo-political zones.

Proposed States

• 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, Gujarat (Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi)
• South-East: Etiti, Orashi (new states for the zone); 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 (Ogun); Oke-Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun)

The committee emphasized that the creation of new states would require constitutional approval, including a two-thirds majority vote from the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils.

Afenifere Rejects Proposal

Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-political group, dismissed the proposal as unnecessary and a distraction from addressing Nigeria’s structural issues. The group’s National Organizing Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, argued that adding states without a viable economic foundation would worsen the country’s financial burdens.

“Turning every local government into a state is not the solution to Nigeria’s governance challenges. The real issue is the dysfunctional federal structure that stifles regional development,” Omololu stated.

Afenifere reiterated its call for true federalism, where regions control their resources and contribute a share to the central government, as practiced during Nigeria’s First Republic.

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Opposes Move

The Arewa Consultative Forum also opposed the proposal, describing it as “unnecessary.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Supports More States for South-East

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, endorsed the proposal, particularly advocating for more states in the South-East.

“Ohanaeze has long called for the creation of additional states in the South-East to correct historical injustices,” said Ezechi Chukwu, the group’s National Publicity Secretary.

Chukwu emphasized that the South-East, with only five states, has been marginalized compared to other zones and called for at least two more states to bring parity with the North-West, which has seven states.

Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Calls for Equity

PANDEF highlighted the need for equitable state creation across all zones, urging the government to ensure economic viability before adding new states. Christopher Ominimini, the group’s spokesman, noted that resource control and sustainability should guide the process.

“If new states must be created, each geo-political zone should have seven states to ensure balance,” he said.