The demand for state creation has been a recurring theme in Nigeria’s political discourse. Proponents argue that it will bring governance closer to the people, promote development, and address ethnic and regional imbalances. However, critics warn that it could also strain the nation’s finances and deepen administrative complexity.
Background to the Proposal
The proposals emerged from ongoing constitutional amendment processes spearheaded by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review. Several ethnic groups, communities, and political stakeholders submitted requests citing marginalization, underdevelopment, and the need for better representation.
While the creation of new states requires a constitutional amendment—which involves approval by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of the 36 state houses of assembly—the current interest reflects growing pressure on the government to restructure the federation.
List of Proposed New States
Here is a breakdown of the 31 proposed new states as submitted by senate
1. Ikeja State – to be carved out of Lagos State
2. Etiti State – from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo
3. Orlu State – from Imo, Abia, and Anambra
4. Aba State – from Abia
5. Adada State – from Enugu
6. Njaba-Anim State – from Imo and Anambra
7. Anioma State – from Delta
8. Oke-Ogun State – from Oyo
9. Ibarapa State – from Oyo
10. Tiga State – from Kano
11. Ghari State – also from Kano
12. Amana State – from Adamawa
13. Gurara State – from Kaduna
14. Kainji State – from Kebbi and Niger
15. Kuburubu State – from FCT
16. Okun State – from Kogi
17. Igala State – from Kogi
18. Mambilla State – from Taraba
19. Savannah State – from Borno
20. Ghari State – (appears again, possibly duplicate)
21. Zaria State – from Kaduna
22. Katagum State – from Bauchi
23. Sambisa State – from Borno
24. Oil River State – from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers
25. Ijebu State – from Ogun
26. Ose State – from Ondo and Edo
27. New Oyo State – from existing Oyo
28. Nyangwa State – from Rivers
29. Benin State – from Edo
30. Igbomina State – from Kwara
31. Kwara North State – from Kwara
Implications of the Proposed States
If these proposals gain traction and meet constitutional requirements, Nigeria could witness a major reconfiguration of its federal system. New capitals, administrative frameworks, and governance structures would need to be created. This move could also spark renewed debates over revenue allocation, state viability, and ethnic representation.
Public Reactions
The proposals have elicited mixed reactions across the country. Some communities are hopeful and see it as a long-awaited opportunity for growth and recognition. Others are more skeptical, warning against the creation of states that may not be economically sustainable.
What Comes Next?
The Senate’s Constitution Review Committee is expected to deliberate on each proposal and forward recommendations to the full National Assembly. From there, a series of legislative and constitutional steps must be taken, including public hearings and state assembly ratifications.
Until then, the proposals remain a bold vision of a possible future Nigeria—one with a reimagined federal structure that aims to address long-standing grievance
s and better reflect the nation’s diversity.
