The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee has set off a firestorm by proposing the creation of 31 new states to be added to Nigeria’s current 36 states.
House Of Representatives: The proposal, contained in a letter read on the floor by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during Thursday’s plenary (in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas), outlines plans for additional states across all geo-political zones: six in the North-Central, four in the North-East, five in the North-West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South-West.
Among the proposed states are names such as Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; and others including FCT State, Amana from Adamawa, Katagum from Bauchi, Savannah from Borno, Muri from Taraba, and New Kaduna from Kaduna State.
House Of Representatives: The letter detailed specific constitutional requirements, stating that an act creating a new state must secure the support of at least a third majority in the House of Representatives, the respective State House of Assembly, and the local government council.
The proposal has evoked strong reactions from various groups:
- Afenifere, a Yoruba socio-cultural organization, slammed the proposal. National Organising Secretary Abagun Kole Omololu argued that creating more states would not deliver “true federalism” but rather serve as a political exercise that further weakens governance and deepens economic inefficiencies. He stressed that many current states already struggle to generate sufficient revenue and depend heavily on federal allocations.
- Similarly, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) dismissed the idea as “ridiculous.” National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba questioned the economic viability of the existing 36 states and warned that adding more would only lead to increased administrative burdens and more acrimony.
- In contrast, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), led by National President Dr. Bitrus Pogu, endorsed the proposal. Pogu argued that additional states could address historical imbalances and promote a more equitable distribution of power and resources. He cited examples like Southern Borno, which has never produced a governor due to regional inequities, to stress the need for a more inclusive system.
- The apex Igbo organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, also weighed in, urging that the South-East be allocated more states. National Publicity Secretary Dr. Ezechi Chukwu stated that it is unacceptable for the South-East, despite its economic and infrastructural contributions, to be limited to only five states.
Former lawmakers and experts have also voiced their opinions. Ex-Senator Haruna Garba called the proposal “unbelievable” and questioned the resources required to run 67 states.
House Of Representatives: Former Senator Nicholas Tofowomo suggested that instead of multiplying states, the focus should shift to strengthening local governments to better serve the people. Similarly, ex-House member Barth Nnanna warned that the proposed number would be “unwieldy” and deepen existing regional imbalances.
House Of Representatives: While some, like former Minister Tanimu Turaki and ex-INEC Commissioner Prof. Lai Olurode, criticized the move as economically unsound and likely to burden the nation further, others like former Bayelsa Commissioner Markson Fefegha welcomed it as a development opportunity that could lead to more state capitals, local government areas, and constituencies.
The debate underscores a broader discussion on Nigeria’s governance and the need for constitutional reforms that truly decentralize power and ensure fiscal federalism.
As various stakeholders continue to voice their concerns and support, the proposal remains a highly contentious issue, with many urging the government to focus on addressing Nigeria’s structural challenges rather than increasing the number of administrative units.