The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states, which, if approved, will increase Nigeria’s total number of states to 67.
The proposal was presented during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. According to the committee, the North Central region is expected to get six new states, North East four, North West five, South East five, South-South four, and South West seven.
The letter detailing the proposal emphasized that the creation of new states would require a two-thirds majority vote in the National Assembly, approval from the House of Representatives, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils, as well as adherence to constitutional provisions.
Among the proposed states are Okun, Okura, and Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala and Apa (Benue); FCT State; Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba); New Kaduna and Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga and Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi); Etiti, Adada, Orlu, and Aba (South East); Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori and Obolo (Rivers); Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan and Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun); Lagoon (Lagos); and Ijebu (Ogun).
The committee has urged proponents of the new states to submit formal proposals in line with constitutional requirements.
