The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states across Nigeria, which, if approved, would increase the number of states from 36 to 67.
This proposal was presented during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The committee, chaired by Kalu, outlined the distribution of the proposed states, with six in the North Central, four in the North East, five in the North West, five in the South East, four in the South-South, and seven in the South West.
Requirements for State Creation
The proposal highlighted key requirements for the creation of new states, including:
1. Legislative Approval – A bill for state creation must be passed with at least a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly.
2. Endorsement from Local and State Governments – Approval must be obtained from the House of Representatives, the respective State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils.
3. Referendum Compliance – As per Section 8(3) of the Constitution, the outcome of referendums in the affected State Houses of Assembly must be forwarded to the National Assembly for final approval.
The committee urged advocates of new local government areas to adhere to constitutional guidelines and submit formal proposals in both hard and electronic copies to the committee’s secretariat.
List of Proposed New States
The 31 proposed states include:
North Central: Okun, Okura, Confluence (from Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa (from Benue); FCT State.
North East: Amana (from Adamawa); Katagum (from Bauchi); Savannah (from Borno); Muri (from Taraba).
North West: New Kaduna, Gurara (from Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (from Kano); Kainji (from Kebbi).
South East: Etiti, Orashi, Adada (from Enugu); Orlu, Aba.
South-South: Ogoja (from Cross River); Warri (from Delta); Ori, Obolo (from Rivers).
South West: Torumbe (from Ondo); Ibadan, Oke-Ogun (from Oyo); Lagoon (from Lagos); Ijebu, Ogun (from Ogun); Ijesha (from Oyo/Ogun/Osun).
The committee reaffirmed its commitment to following constitutional provisions and only considering proposals that meet the stipulated guidelines.
