'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - In a landmark move that could reshape Nigeria’s political and administrative landscape, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states. If approved, this would expand the country’s sub-national governments from the current 36 to 67, marking one of the most significant constitutional changes in Nigeria’s history.
The proposal was unveiled during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The committee, chaired by Kalu, outlined a detailed plan for the new states, ensuring regional balance across the six geopolitical zones.
According to the proposal, the North Central zone would gain six new states, including Okun, Okura, and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; and a new Federal Capital Territory (FCT) state. The North East would see four new states, such as Amana from Adamawa and Katagum from Bauchi, while the North West would gain five, including New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna State, and Tiga and Ari from Kano.
In the South East, five new states are proposed, including Etiti, Orashi, Adada from Enugu, Orlu, and Aba. The South-South zone would gain four new states, such as Ogoja from Cross River and Warri from Delta, while the South West would see the creation of seven new states, including Lagoon State from Lagos, Ijebu State from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha State spanning Oyo, Ogun, and Osun.
The committee emphasized that the process of state creation must adhere strictly to constitutional provisions. Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, requires that any proposal for a new state must receive the support of at least two-thirds of members of the National Assembly, as well as the approval of State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Councils in the affected areas.
In a letter read during the plenary, the committee stated, “An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the third majority of members. The outcome of the votes of the State Houses of Assembly in the referendum must be forwarded to the National Assembly for fulfilment of state demands.”
The committee also provided detailed submission guidelines for memoranda, requiring three hard copies to be delivered to the Secretariat of the Committee at Room H331, House of Representatives, White House, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, and electronic copies to be sent to the Committee’s email address at info.hccr.gov.nj.
This proposal has sparked widespread debate across the country, with proponents arguing that the creation of new states would bring governance closer to the people and address longstanding demands for regional equity. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the financial implications and potential administrative challenges of managing 67 states.
As the process moves forward, all eyes will be on the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to see if this historic proposal will gain the necessary support to become a reality. For now, Nigeria stands at the precipice of a transformative change that could redefine its federal structure for generations to come.
The committee has assured that it remains committed to upholding constitutional provisions and will only consider proposals that comply with the stipulated guidelines.
This proposal marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, as the nation contemplates a bold step toward decentralization and regional empowerment. The coming months will be critical in determining whether this vision becomes a reality.
