The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has recently announced the receipt of 31 proposals advocating for the creation of new states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This development underscores the ongoing discussions about restructuring and addressing perceived regional imbalances within the country.

Breakdown of Proposed States by Geopolitical Zone

1. North Central (5 Proposals):
   • Okun State: Proposed to be carved out from Kogi State, aiming to address the aspirations of the Okun people for greater political representation and development.
   • Okura State: Also from Kogi State, intended to cater to the Igala-speaking population, focusing on enhancing administrative efficiency and local governance.
   • Confluence State: Another proposal from Kogi, emphasizing the strategic importance of the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers, aiming to boost economic activities in the region.
   • Benue Ala State: Proposed from Benue State, targeting the Tiv-speaking areas to promote cultural preservation and regional development.
   • Apa State: Also from Benue, focusing on the Idoma-speaking regions, with the goal of addressing historical marginalization and fostering development.
2. North East (4 Proposals):
   • Amana State: Proposed from Adamawa State, aiming to provide better governance and development for the diverse ethnic groups in the area.
   • Katagum State: From Bauchi State, intended to enhance administrative efficiency and bring government closer to the people of the Katagum region.
   • Savannah State: Proposed from Borno State, focusing on addressing developmental challenges and improving security in the region.
   • Muri State: From Taraba State, aiming to cater to the specific needs of the Muri Emirate, promoting cultural heritage and development.
3. North West (5 Proposals):
   • New Kaduna State: Proposed to be carved out from the current Kaduna State, focusing on addressing ethno-religious tensions and promoting balanced development.
   • Gurara State: Also from Kaduna, intended to cater to the southern parts of the state, emphasizing equitable resource distribution.
   • Tiga State: Proposed from Kano State, aiming to manage the large population and enhance administrative efficiency.
   • Ari State: Another proposal from Kano, focusing on specific regional development needs.
   • Kainji State: Proposed from Kebbi State, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Kainji Dam and surrounding areas for economic development.
4. South East (5 Proposals):
   • Etiti State: Aimed at creating a sixth state in the South East to address the imbalance in state distribution among geopolitical zones.
   • Orashi State: Proposed to be carved out from parts of Imo and Rivers States, focusing on the Orashi River basin communities.
   • Adada State: From Enugu State, intended to cater to the Nsukka cultural zone, promoting development and cultural preservation.
   • Orlu State: Proposed from Imo State, focusing on the Orlu region to enhance administrative efficiency and local governance.
   • Aba State: From Abia State, aiming to leverage the commercial potential of Aba city for regional development.
5. South South (4 Proposals):
   • Ogoja State: Proposed from Cross River State, focusing on the Ogoja region to address developmental disparities.
   • Warri State: From Delta State, intended to cater to the Itsekiri people and address perceived marginalization.
   • Ori State: Proposed from Rivers State, focusing on specific regional development needs.
   • Obolo State: Also from Rivers, aiming to address the aspirations of the Obolo people for better governance.
6. South West (7 Proposals):
   • Torumbe State: Proposed from Ondo State, focusing on the riverine communities to enhance development.
   • Ibadan State: From Oyo State, aiming to leverage the historical and economic significance of Ibadan city.
   • Lagoon State: Proposed from Lagos State, intended to manage the growing population and urban sprawl of Lagos metropolis.
   • Ijebu State: From Ogun State, focusing on the Ijebu region to promote cultural heritage and development.
   • Oke-Ogun State: Proposed from Oyo State, aiming to address developmental needs of the Oke-Ogun area.
   • Ijesha State: From Osun State, focusing on the Ijesha region to enhance local governance.
   • Lagoon (Ogun) State: Another proposal focusing on areas in Ogun State adjacent to Lagos, aiming to manage urban expansion.

Constitutional Requirements for State Creation

The process of creating a new state in Nigeria is governed by Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which outlines specific criteria that must be met:

• Proposal Submission: A request for state creation must be supported by at least two-thirds majority of members representing the area demanding the creation in the Senate, House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and local government councils.
• Referendum: A referendum must be conducted and approved by at least two-thirds of the people in the area where the state is proposed.
• National Assembly Approval: The proposal must be approved by a simple majority of all states in the federation, supported by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of each arm of the National Assembly.