A joint committee of the Nigerian Senate and House of Representatives has recommended the creation of six new states, one for each geopolitical zone—raising the country’s total number of states from 36 to 42 if approved.
The decision followed a two-day retreat in Lagos co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, during which lawmakers reviewed 69 constitutional amendment bills, 55 state creation requests, 278 local government creation requests, and two boundary adjustment proposals.
Under the new proposal, each zone would get an additional state, maintaining the long-standing political structure but also raising concerns about persistent inequalities, particularly in the South East, which currently has only five states—the fewest in the country.
Proposed New Structure by Zones
- North West: 7 → 8
- North East: 6 → 7
- North Central: 6 → 7 (FCT treated as a state)
- South West: 6 → 7
- South South: 6 → 7
- South East: 5 → 6
While the move addresses the South East’s long-standing demand for an additional state, many stakeholders argue that the region would still remain disadvantaged, as other zones will now have seven or eight states.
The South East, which has for years pushed for structural parity, has reacted with mixed feelings.
Obidigbo: “State creation is fueling unnecessary rancour”
Elder statesman Dr. Chike Obidigbo expressed concern over what he called needless agitation and political manipulation surrounding the additional state for the region.
- He warned that arguments over whether the new state should be Adada, Etiti, or Anioma were creating avoidable division.
- He said external political interests were pushing narratives that could fuel disunity among the Igbo, especially around the question of “core” versus “peripheral” Igbo identity.
Obidigbo suggested that Ohanaeze Ndigbo should convene a meeting to harmonise all requests and avoid playing into divisive politics.
He also noted that:
- Adada has the longest-standing demand.
- Etiti presents a homogenous option carved from existing states.
- Anioma, although culturally linked to Igbo communities, may face legislative hurdles, since the Delta State House of Assembly may not support a referendum detaching Anioma from the South South.
“Respect geography and political realities” — Obidigbo
He added that the decision must also consider communities in Edo, Benue, and Kogi who desire alignment with Igbo states, but stressed that the final decision must come from collective Igbo leadership rather than individuals.
Nnabuife: “One new state is not enough — South East deserves two”
Managing Director of the Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office, Dr. Chuka Nnabuife, also criticised the recommendation, describing it as imbalanced.
He argued that:
- The South East should get two new states—not one—if equity and justice are to be achieved.
- Regions with seven states should not receive any additional states at this time.
- More states bring development, access to funding, and improved governance, citing Nigeria’s progress from 12 to 36 states.
“If we are creating one more state across the regions, it means the South East will still have a shortfall,” he said.
“Equity demands two states for the South East, then one for others — or none for a region that already has seven.”
The National Assembly’s recommendation has revived long-standing discussions about:
- Political representation
- Resource allocation
- Equitable development
- Historical grievances over structural imbalance
With the proposal requiring:
- Passage by both chambers of the National Assembly,
- Approval by two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, and
- A referendum in affected areas,
the road to creating new states remains lengthy and politically charged.
For now, the debate is intensifying, especially in the South East, where many believe the new proposal—rather than resolving inequality—may further entrench it.