The National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of six new states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, which would raise the total number from 36 to 42 if approved. Lawmakers say the move promotes fairness and equity
National Assembly Moves to Create Six New States Across Nigeria’s Geo-Political Zones
Nigeria may soon expand from 36 to 42 states as the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of six new states, one from each of the country’s geopolitical zones.
The proposal emerged as one of the key outcomes of a two-day retreat in Lagos, co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
During the retreat, the committee reviewed 69 bills, including 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government proposals. After extensive deliberations, members unanimously resolved that six new states should be created in the spirit of fairness, balance, and equity across the federation.
If approved, the geopolitical distribution will stand as follows:
- Southsouth: 7 states
- Southwest: 7 states
- Southeast: 6 states
- Northwest: 8 states
- Northeast: 7 states
- Northcentral: 7 states
A principal officer of the National Assembly disclosed that the decision was collectively supported by lawmakers in both chambers, stressing that “the move is aimed at deepening unity, representation, and inclusion.”
To determine the specific areas from which the states will be carved, a sub-committee chaired by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno has been established.
“We will meticulously review the 55 requests for state creation to come up with the areas where the six new states will be carved from,” Monguno said. “We will be fair and just to all promoters of state creation.”
The final report of the joint committee is expected to be submitted to the Senate and House of Representatives in the first week of November.
State creation in Nigeria, however, is a constitutional process that requires an amendment supported by two-thirds of both chambers of the National Assembly and two-thirds concurrence of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Meanwhile, regional pressures for new states continue to mount. In Delta North, groups have drawn up maps for a proposed Anioma State, which they suggest could represent the Southeast. Similarly, the Ibadan State Movement in Oyo has gained traction, with Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan, personally presenting the demand to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his coronation.
“It is the wish of my people that Ibadan State should be created out of Oyo before or by 2027,” the monarch said.
Efforts to reach Dr Innocent Mebiri, Clerk of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, for additional comment were unsuccessful at press time.
While the proposal for six new states has been widely reported, it remains at the committee recommendation stage. Any actual creation of states will depend on the successful passage of constitutional amendments and approval by state assemblies. Analysts caution that political, economic, and administrative considerations will heavily influence the outcome. Read More
