Nigeria could see a dramatic expansion of its sub-national governments as the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states, bringing the total to 67 if approved.
The proposal, read during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, suggests the creation of additional states across all geopolitical zones. The committee, chaired by Kalu, outlined the distribution of the proposed states as follows:
- North Central: Okun, Okura, Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa (Benue); FCT State
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North East: Amana (Adamawa), Katagum (Bauchi), Savannah (Borno), Muri (Taraba)
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North West: New Kaduna, Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi)
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South East: Etiti, Orashi, Adada (Enugu), Orlu, Aba
Also included are Ogoja from Cross River State, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ogun, Ijebu from Ogun state as well as Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.
The proposal signals a push for greater regional representation and governance, though it is expected to face significant legislative and constitutional hurdles. The move also raises concerns about the financial implications and administrative feasibility of such a major restructuring.
