House of Representatives Committee Proposes Creation of 31 New States, Potentially Expanding Nigeria to 67 Sub-National Governments
ABUJA – A major shakeup of Nigeria’s political map could be on the horizon as the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states. This ambitious proposal, if it successfully navigates the complex constitutional processes, would nearly double the current number of states from 36 to 67.
The proposal was unveiled during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, read a letter detailing the proposed additions: six new states for the North Central region, four for the North East, five for the North West, five for the South East, four for the South-South, and seven for the South West.
The committee’s letter outlined the stringent requirements for state creation as enshrined in the Constitution. These include securing a two-thirds majority vote in the House of Representatives, the respective State Houses of Assembly, and the Local Government Councils within the proposed new state’s boundaries. Furthermore, the results of a referendum in the affected areas must be submitted to the National Assembly. The committee emphasized its commitment to adhering to constitutional provisions and will only consider proposals that strictly comply with these guidelines.
The proposed new states span the length and breadth of the nation. Kogi State is slated to gain three new states: Okun, Okura, and Confluence. Benue State is in line for two new additions: Benue Ala and Apa. The Federal Capital Territory is also proposed to become a state. Other proposed states include Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba); New Kaduna and Gujarat (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi); Etiti, Orashi, and Adada (Enugu); Orlu and Aba (likely carved from Imo and Abia); Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (Rivers); Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ogun and Ijebu (Ogun); and Oke Ogun/Ijesha (a proposed state spanning parts of Oyo, Ogun, and Osun).
The committee has called for all proposals to be resubmitted in strict adherence to the stipulated guidelines. Interested parties are required to submit three hard copies of their full proposal, along with an electronic version, to the committee secretariat. The committee’s clerk can be contacted for further information.
The creation of 31 new states represents a significant undertaking with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s political and administrative structure. The proposal is likely to spark intense debate across the country, raising questions about resource allocation, political representation, and the overall viability of such a substantial expansion. While the proposal has passed the first hurdle within the House committee, it still faces a long and complex journey through the legislative process and requires the support of both the National Assembly and the Presidency. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious vision becomes a reality.
