House Committee Receives 31 Proposals for New States Across Nigeria

The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution announced on Thursday that it has received 31 proposals for the creation of new states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read a letter from the committee during plenary, outlining the conditions that must be met before any state creation requests can be approved.

According to the letter, the proposals include:

• North Central – 5 states (Okun, Okura, Confluence in Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa in Benue; FCT State)
• North East – 4 states (Amana in Adamawa, Katagum in Bauchi, Savannah in Borno, Muri in Taraba)
• North West – 5 states (New Kaduna and Gurara from Kaduna; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi)
• South East – 5 states (Etiti, Orashi, Adada from Enugu, Orlu, and Aba)
• South South – 4 states (Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers)
• South West – 7 states (Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ijebu from Ogun, Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun)

The committee emphasized that Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, outlines strict requirements for state creation. According to the letter, a request can only be passed if supported by at least a two-thirds majority of the Senate, the House of Representatives, the State House of Assembly, and the Local Government Councils in the affected area.

Advocates for additional local governments were reminded that Section 8 of the Constitution also applies to their requests. The referendum results from State Houses of Assembly must be forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration.

The committee urged proponents to resubmit proposals in strict compliance with the stipulated guidelines. Hard copies should be submitted to Room H331, House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, while electronic copies should be sent to the committee’s email at info.hccr.gov.nj.

The committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting proposals that align with constitutional provisions and will only consider submissions that meet the required guidelines.