Nigeria’s Reps Propose 31 New States; Sparks Major Debate Over Viability

Nigeria’s Reps Propose 31 New States; Sparks Major Debate Over Viability

In a bold move, the House of Representatives’ Constitution Review Committee has proposed the creation of 31 new states in Nigeria, which would bring the total number of states in the country to 67. The proposal, read out by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu during Thursday’s plenary, has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning its feasibility and potential impact on governance.

The proposal includes new states across all regions of the country, with particular focus on the North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-East, South-South, and South-West zones. If accepted, these new states would be carved from the current 36 states, creating smaller administrative units in a bid to address regional demands for better representation and resources.

The specific new states proposed include:

• North-Central: Benue Ala, Okun, Okura, Confluence, Apa-Agba, and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
• North-East: Amana, Katagum, Savannah, Muri.
• North-West: New Kaduna, Gurara, Tiga, Kainji, Ghari.
• South-East: Etiti, Adada, Urashi, Orlu, Aba.
• South-South: Ogoja, Warri, Bori, Obolo.
• South-West: Toru-Ebe, Ibadan, Lagoon, Ijebu, Ife-Ijesha, Oke-Ogun.

This new proposal comes after the public reaction to similar discussions that have taken place over the years regarding state creation in Nigeria. The national assembly’s decision to introduce this proposal has led to a flood of opinions from different groups across the country.

Many Nigerians, including influential political figures and regional organizations, have voiced strong opposition to the proposal. One of the major concerns raised is the economic viability of these new states. Critics argue that many of Nigeria’s current 36 states already struggle with economic sustainability, often relying heavily on federal allocations. Creating new states could increase the strain on the nation’s already strained resources.

Prominent figures such as Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have strongly opposed the idea. Jega argues that the real solution to Nigeria’s problems lies in decentralizing power from the federal government to the states, rather than creating more administrative units. He warned against “atomizing” the Nigerian federation, which could lead to inefficiencies in governance.

According to Jega, while some believe that creating new states will bring governance closer to the people, it will not solve the country’s deeper problems unless the management of resources and power distribution is addressed. He also pointed out that many states in Nigeria are economically unviable and that the solution lies in strengthening local governance, especially through decentralizing power and granting more autonomy to state governments.

Additionally, some regional groups, including the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, and the northern Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), have expressed disdain for the proposal. Afenifere’s National Organizing Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, criticized the proposal, claiming it contradicted the organization’s longstanding demand for true federalism. He argued that creating more states would further weaken governance structures and exacerbate economic inefficiencies, rather than address Nigeria’s structural issues.

On the other hand, certain groups, such as the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, have shown support for the proposal, citing it as a necessary step towards achieving greater equity and representation for their regions. The MBF, led by Dr. Bitrus Pogu, welcomed the proposal, stating that it addresses the long-standing issues of inequality and lack of representation in Nigerian governance. He emphasized that the creation of new states would provide greater autonomy and allow for a more inclusive system of governance.

Similarly, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has called for more states for the South-East region to right the historical wrongs the region has faced in state creation. They argue that the South-East, despite its significant population and contributions to Nigeria, has been shortchanged in terms of state allocation, and more states should be allocated to the region to address this disparity.

As the proposal continues to generate heated debate, many former lawmakers and political analysts have also raised concerns about the potential for increased political instability. A former Senator from Ondo South, Nicholas Tofowomo, described the creation of new states as an impractical solution to Nigeria’s governance challenges. Tofowomo argued that the country should focus on improving the development of existing local governments rather than creating more states.

Another former Representative, Barth Nnanna, voiced his opposition, claiming that the creation of 31 new states would be unmanageable and chaotic. He also pointed out that the proposal does not address the imbalance in the number of states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the South-East region being particularly underrepresented.

Despite the controversy, some supporters of the proposal argue that creating new states will lead to increased development and more opportunities for local governance. Markson Fefegha, former Commissioner for Information in Bayelsa State, described the proposal as a “welcome development” that could result in more state capitals, local government areas, and constituencies. He believes it could lead to more effective governance and development at the grassroots level.

However, many remain unconvinced, and the proposal faces several hurdles before it can become a reality. The process of creating new states requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as approval from the state Houses of Assembly and local governments. Additionally, critics question whether the government has the financial resources to support the creation and maintenance of new states, particularly given the current economic challenges facing the nation.

The debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as lawmakers continue to consider the implications of the proposed state creation. With many Nigerians uncertain about the benefits of adding more states, the National Assembly will need to address the concerns raised by critics before proceeding with any decisions.vernance,” and “constitutional review.” These keywords target readers searching for updates on Nigeria’s political and constitutional discussions, while the meta description highlights the core of the debate for better search visibility.