Nigeria’s House of Reps Proposes 31 New States in Landmark Constitutional Review
By MUHAMMED DANBABA
If Approved, Nigeria Could Expand to 67 States
Abuja, Nigeria – February 6, 2025 – The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states, a move that could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political and administrative structure.
If passed, the number of states in Nigeria will increase from 36 to 67, marking one of the most ambitious state creation efforts in the nation’s history.
House of Reps Outlines State Creation Process
The proposal was announced during Thursday’s plenary session, where Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, read out the details.
The committee, chaired by Benjamin Kalu, has recommended new states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, as follows:
- North Central – 6 new states
- North East – 4 new states
- North West – 5 new states
- South East – 5 new states
- South-South – 4 new states
- South West – 7 new states
Requirements for New States Creation
The letter outlined key constitutional requirements for state creation, including:
Approval by at least two-thirds majority of the National Assembly. Endorsement from the House of Representatives, House of Assembly, and Local Government Council of the affected areas. Strict compliance with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates a referendum. Submission of memoranda and proposals in hard and electronic copies to the Committee Secretariat at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
List of Proposed New States
The following states have been proposed under the constitutional review:
North Central:
- Okun, Okura, Confluence (Kogi)
- Benue Ala, Apa (Benue)
- FCT State
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 (South East)
- Adada (Enugu)
- Orlu (Imo)
- Aba (Abia)
South-South:
- Ogoja (Cross River)
- Warri (Delta)
- Ori, Obolo (Rivers)
South West:
- Torumbe (Ondo)
- Ibadan (Oyo)
- Lagoon (Lagos)
- Ijebu (Ogun)
- Ogun (Ogun)
- Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun)
What’s Next?
The proposal must undergo extensive legislative debate, state-level endorsement, and a national referendum before it can be approved. The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has called for public submissions and discussions to guide the process.
