A Step Toward Balance: NASS Moves To Create New State In South-East Amid Long Quest For Equity

By TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN

FOR decades, the South-east region of Nigeria has carried the weight of a historic grievance — being the only geopolitical zone with five states, compared to six or seven in other regions. This structural imbalance has long been cited as a source of political and economic marginalisation. Now, that long-standing agitation may be nearing a turning point.

At a recent two-day retreat in Lagos, the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on the Review of the 1999 Constitution took a landmark decision: it approved the creation of an additional state in the South-east. If ratified, the move would raise the zone’s tally to six states, aligning it with other regions and, supporters say, correcting a constitutional oversight that has endured for nearly three decades.

A Vote for Equity and Fairness

The South-east’s call for parity has echoed through successive administrations. Comprising Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, and Enugu, the region has often argued that the imbalance affects its representation in the Senate, federal appointments, and revenue sharing.

During the retreat, co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, lawmakers reached what observers described as a “rare moment of national consensus.” Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) moved the motion for the new state, seconded by Ibrahim Isiaka (APC, Ogun State). The motion passed unanimously — a rare bipartisan agreement in Nigeria’s often polarized legislature.

Kalu, one of the strongest voices for the initiative, described the approval as a matter of “constitutional justice, not politics.” According to him, creating a sixth state in the South-east would foster inclusiveness and national unity.

“This is about equity and fair representation,” Kalu said. “No region should feel shortchanged in the Nigerian federation.”

The Road Ahead

While the committee’s approval marks a major milestone, it is only the beginning of a complex constitutional journey. To become law, the proposal must secure two-thirds support from both chambers of the National Assembly and endorsement by at least two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin urged lawmakers to build momentum toward that goal: “By the time we get to the actual voting, we must already have the buy-in of stakeholders from across the federation.”

Part of a Broader National Reform

The South-east’s proposed new state is just one of many recommendations under the current constitution review — one of the most ambitious since 1999. The committee is reviewing 278 submissions from citizens, advocacy groups, and institutions, covering issues like the creation of new local governments, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, gender inclusion, and judicial reform.

A subcommittee has been set up to screen and harmonize proposals for new states and local councils nationwide, reflecting a growing public desire for fairer representation and governance at all levels.

If the South-east’s new state is ultimately approved, it would be the first successful state creation in Nigeria since 1996, when the late Gen. Sani Abacha expanded the federation to its current 36 states.

A Moment of Hope

For many in the South-east, the committee’s approval has reignited hope that long-promised equity may finally be within reach. Beyond politics, it symbolizes recognition of a region’s quest for justice — and perhaps, the beginning of a more balanced federation.

As the nation awaits the next phase of legislative approval, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s evolving constitutional journey continues to test its commitment to fairness, inclusion, and unity in diversity.