The Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives has put forth a proposal to add 31 new states to the current 36, thereby increasing the total to 67. This initiative raises concerns regarding the committee’s seriousness, particularly in light of the fact that many existing states are financially unviable and reliant on federal funding.
The proposal was articulated in a letter presented by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during a plenary session. The committee has recommended the establishment of six new states in North Central, four in North East, five in North West, five in South-South, and seven in South West.
The proposed new states in Nigeria encompass Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT State; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; and Muri from Taraba. Additional recommendations include New Kaduna and Gujarat from Kaduna; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi; Etiti and Orashi for the Southeast; Adada from Enugu; Orlu and Aba from the Southeast; Ogoja from Cross River; Warri from Delta; Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo; Lagoon from Lagos; Ogun and Ijebu from Ogun; and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun.
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The letter further clarified that the creation of a new state necessitates an act of the National Assembly, which must be supported by a minimum of one-third of its members. Local government councils and state assemblies are required to advocate for the establishment of additional local government areas in accordance with Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution. Votes from state assemblies in a referendum must be submitted to the National Assembly to address state demands.
Proposals are required to comply with these guidelines and must be submitted in three hard copies to the Committee Secretariat located in Room H331, House of Representatives, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, with electronic copies sent to info.hccr.gov.nj. The committee is dedicated to supporting proposals that align with constitutional provisions.
