In a move that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political and administrative landscape, the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has put forward a proposal for the creation of 31 new states. If approved, this would increase the total number of states in the country from 36 to 67, marking one of the most ambitious state-creation efforts in Nigeria’s history.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, read a letter from the committee during Thursday’s plenary session, detailing the proposed states and the legislative process required for their approval.
The letter stated:
“This is to inform members that the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), has received legislative proposals for the creation of states and local governments in the following order:”
Proposed States by Geopolitical Zones
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 (FCT) Abuja – designated 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 – as the sixth state in the South-East geopolitical zone
- Adada State – from Enugu State
- Urashi State – as the sixth state in the South-East geopolitical zone
- Orlu State – from the South-East region
- Aba State – from the South-East region
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
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For these proposed states to be created, the request must fulfill constitutional requirements, including approval by at least two-thirds of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the respective State Houses of Assembly. Additionally, the endorsement of the affected local government councils is necessary before final ratification by the National Assembly.
While the proposal has sparked discussions among lawmakers and political stakeholders, its success will depend on widespread support and the fulfillment of constitutional criteria. If passed, this reform could redefine Nigeria’s governance structure and address regional demands for administrative autonomy.
