The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states, which would bring the total number of states in Nigeria to 67.
The proposal was read during Thursday’s plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Kalu said, “The committee has worked diligently to propose these new states to ensure a more balanced and inclusive governance structure.”
The committee, chaired by Kalu, suggests six new states for North Central, four for North East, five for North West, five for South East, four for South-South, and seven for South West.
The letter, presented in the session, states that the creation of a new state requires support from at least one-third of National Assembly members. Additionally, state and local government councils must approve the proposal. The committee reminded local government advocates to comply with Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution, which outlines the referendum process.
The committee further emphasised that all proposals must adhere strictly to constitutional guidelines and be submitted in hard copy and electronically to the committee’s secretariat. “We remain committed to supporting proposals that align with constitutional provisions,” Kalu added.
The proposed new states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT state; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; and Savannah from Borno. Others include Muri from Taraba, New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna, Tiga and Ari from Kano, and Kainji from Kebbi.
Additional proposals cover Etiti, Orashi, and Adada from the South East; Ogoja from Cross River; Warri from Delta; Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo; Lagoon from Lagos; Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun; and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo, Ogun, and Osun states.
