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Nigerian Senate Receives Proposals for Creation of 31 New States

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on June 25th, 2025.

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.