In early February 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution received proposals advocating for the creation of 31 new states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. If these proposals are approved, Nigeria’s total number of states would increase from 36 to 67.
The proposed states include:
North-Central:
Benue Ala State (from Benue State)
Okun State (from Kogi State)
Okura State (from Kogi State)
Confluence State (from Kogi State)
Apa-Agba State (from Benue South Senatorial District)
Apa State (from Benue State)
Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (as a 37th state)
North-East:
Amana State (from Adamawa State)
Katagum State (from Bauchi State)
Savannah State (from Borno State)
Muri State (from Taraba State)
North-West:
New Kaduna State and Gurara State (from Kaduna State)
Tiga State (from Kano State)
Kainji State (from Kebbi State)
Ghari State (from Kano State)
South-East:
Etiti State (as the sixth state in the South-East zone)
Adada State (from Enugu State)
Urashi State (as the sixth state in the South-East zone)
Orlu State (from parts of Imo, Abia, and Anambra States)
Aba State (from the South-Eastern region)
South-South:
Ogoja State (from Cross River State)
Warri State (from Delta)
Bori State (from Rivers State)
Obolo State (from Rivers and Akwa Ibom States)
South-West:
Toru-Ebe State (from Delta, Edo, and Ondo States)
Ibadan State (from Oyo State)
The process of creating a new state in Nigeria is constitutionally rigorous. It requires a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, the House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and local governments. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu emphasized that while numerous proposals have been submitted, they must meet these stringent constitutional requirements to be considered viable.
It’s important to note that while the House Committee has received these proposals, they are in the preliminary stages of consideration. The proposals must undergo extensive legislative processes and meet all constitutional criteria before any new states can be officially created.
For a more detailed overview, you might find this video informative.
About the Author
