Nigeria’s House of Representatives Reviews 31 Proposals for New States

Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has confirmed receipt of 31 proposals for the creation of new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The submissions, which include requests for states such as Okun, Amana, and Ibadan, will undergo rigorous scrutiny under constitutional provisions, with advocates required to meet strict legislative criteria.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, presiding over a recent plenary session, disclosed the details in a letter from the Constitution Review Committee.

Some notable proposals include Okun, Okura, and Confluence states from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa states from Benue; and FCT State. In the North East, suggestions include Amana from Adamawa, Katagum from Bauchi, Savannah from Borno, and Muri from Taraba.

The North West has proposals such as New Kaduna and Gurara from Kaduna; Tiga and Ari from Kano; and Kainji from Kebbi. The South East could see the addition of Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba, potentially making it a six-state region.

For the South-South, proposals include Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, and Bori and Obolo from Rivers. Another proposal, Toru-Ebe, would span Edo, Delta, and Ondo states.

The South West has the highest number of proposed states, including Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, another Lagoon state spanning Lagos and Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo, Ogun, and Osun.

Central to the process is Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that proposals secure a two-thirds majority approval from lawmakers representing the affected areas in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. Additionally, local government councils must endorse requests, followed by a referendum within the proposed territories. Outcomes from these votes must then be formally submitted to the National Assembly for legislative action.

Advocates have until 5 March 2025 to resubmit updated proposals in compliance with these guidelines. Submissions require three hard copies sent to the Committee Secretariat at Room H331, House of Representatives White House, Abuja, alongside soft copies emailed to info@hccr.gov.ng. The Committee emphasised that only applications adhering to constitutional frameworks will be considered, prioritising transparency and legal rigour.