New States Proposed in Nigeria: What It Really Means for Equity and Development

New States Proposed in Nigeria: What It Means for Equity and Development
The National Assembly is currently deliberating multiple bills proposing the creation of new states in Nigeria as part of an ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
These proposals, submitted in 2024 by lawmakers and interest groups, have progressed to various legislative stages, awaiting further deliberation.
Currently, Nigeria consists of 36 states distributed across six geopolitical zones. While the South-South, South-West, North-Central, and North-East zones each have six states, the North-West has seven, and the South-East remains with only five.
The proposed states aim to address perceived imbalances, enhance regional representation, and foster economic and political equity across the federation.
Proposed New States and Their Sponsors
- Ogoja State
- To be carved out of Cross River State.
- Sponsored by Godwin Offiono.
- Orlu State
- Proposed from Imo, Abia, and Anambra states.
- Sponsored by Ikenga Ugochinyere and 15 other lawmakers.
- Anioma State
- To be created from Delta State.
- Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko.
- Coastal State
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- Proposed from Ondo State.
- Sponsored by Jimoh Ibrahim.
- Adada State
- To be carved out of Enugu State.
- Sponsored by Senator Okey Ezea.
- New Oyo State
- Oyo town to serve as its capital.
- Remaining areas to form Ibadan State, with Ibadan as the capital.
- Sponsored by Senator Akeem Adeyemi and six others.
- Etiti State
- To be carved from the existing five South-East states.
- Sponsored by Senator Amobi Ogah and four others.
- Ijebu State
- Proposed from Ogun State.
- Sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel. This proposal is reportedly gaining significant traction and is expected to secure presidential approval soon.
- Ife-Ijesa State
- To be created from Osun State.
- Sponsored by Senator Oluwole Oke.
- Oke-Ogun State
- Proposed from Oyo State.
- Sponsored by Oluwole Oke.
- Tiga State
- To be carved out of Kano State.
- Sponsored by Senator Kawu Sumaila AbdulRahman.
Additional Proposed States
- ITAI State – From Akwa Ibom State.
- State Status for the FCT – Federal Capital Territory.
- Katagum State – From Bauchi State.
- Okura State – From Kogi East.
- Gurara State – From Kaduna South.
- Ghari State – From Kano State.
- Amana State – From Adamawa State.
- Gongola State – From Adamawa State.
- Mambilla State – From Taraba State.
- Savannah State – From Borno State.
- Okun State – From Kogi State.
- Orashi State – From Imo and Anambra states.
- Njaba State – From Imo State.
- Aba State – From Abia State.
- Torogbene and Oil River States – From Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.
- Bayajida State – From parts of Katsina, Jigawa, and Zamfara states.
Implications of State Creation
If these proposals are approved, they could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political and administrative framework.
Advocates argue that new states could promote equitable representation, address marginalization, and bring governance closer to the people.
However, challenges such as funding, economic viability, and boundary disputes remain critical concerns.
Experts emphasize the need for transparent processes and thorough assessments to ensure the success of these proposals.
The debate over state creation reflects the deep-seated aspirations for fairness and balanced development in Nigeria’s federal structure.
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