The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee has proposed the creation of 31 additional states, which would increase Nigeria’s total from 36 to 67. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presented the proposal during plenary in Abuja, coinciding with ongoing constitutional amendments and discussions on local government autonomy.
The proposal comes despite mounting financial burdens on existing states. As of June 30, 2024, Nigerian states collectively owed ₦11.47 trillion, even with increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC). Additionally, only nine states have committed to implementing the newly approved ₦70,000 minimum wage, according to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
The proposed states are distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones:
- North Central: 6 new states
- North East: 4 new states
- North West: 5 new states
- South-South: 5 new states
- South East: 4 new states
- South West: 7 new states
If approved, the Northwest would have 12 states (up from 7), Southwest 13 (from 6), North Central 12 (from 6), Northeast 10 (from 6), Southeast 9 (from 5), and South-South 10 (from 6).
Some Proposed States:
- North Central: Okun, Okura, Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa (Benue)
- North East: Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba)
- North West: New Kaduna, Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi)
- South East: Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, Aba
- South South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori, Obolo (Rivers)
- South West: Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ijebu (Ogun); Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun)
To be approved, state creation must meet constitutional requirements, including:
- A two-thirds majority in the National Assembly
- Approval by affected State Assemblies and Local Governments
- Compliance with Section 8.3 of the Constitution
- Formal submission of proposals to the House Committee
