North, South Seek 55 New States As Constitution Review Intensifies

By TOSAN OYAKHILOME-AKAHOMEN

AS the National Assembly begins a fresh round of constitutional amendments, lawmakers have received 55 proposals for new states across Nigeria — 31 from the North and 24 from the South.

According to documents before the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review, the North Central leads with 13 requests, including Wan, Edu, Okun, and Apa States. The North West submitted eight proposals such as Gurara, Karaduwa, and Kainji States, while the North East also presented eight, including Savannah, Katagum, and Muri States.

In the South, the South West listed 10 potential states like Remo, Ibadan, and Lagoon; the South East made eight proposals, including Etiti, Aba, and Adada; and the South South also requested eight new entities, such as Warri, Ethiope, and Ogoja States.

The committee has reportedly agreed in principle to create six new states—one per geopolitical zone—pending ratification. A subcommittee led by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno will identify specific areas for the new states, while another panel will consider the establishment of state police.

If approved, Nigeria’s state count would rise from 36 to 42, marking one of the most significant political restructurings since 1999.