The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states in Nigeria, a move that could expand the country’s sub-national governments from 36 to 67, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The proposal was read during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The document outlines the conditions required for state creation, as specified in Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution.
According to the proposal, new states can only be created through an Act of the National Assembly, supported by at least a two-thirds majority of both chambers, as well as approval from affected State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Councils. The outcomes of state referendum votes must also be forwarded to the National Assembly for final approval.
Proposed New States:
1. Kogi State: Okun, Okura, Confluence
2. Benue State: Benue Ala, Apa
3. FCT: FCT State
4. Adamawa State: Amana
5. Bauchi State: Katagum
6. Borno State: Savannah
7. Taraba State: Muri
8. Kaduna State: New Kaduna, Gurara
9. Kano State: Tiga, Ari
10. Kebbi State: Kainji
11. South East: Etiti, Orashi, Adada (Enugu), Orlu (Imo), Aba (Abia)
12. Cross River State: Ogoja
13. Delta State: Warri
14. Rivers State: Ori, Obolo
15. Ondo State: Torumbe
16. Oyo State: Ibadan
17. Lagos State: Lagoon
18. Ogun State: Ijebu
19. Oyo/Ogun/Osun States: Oke Ogun/Ijesha
The proposal is expected to undergo further legislative review, with debates and considerations on the feasibility of creating these additional states.
