The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee has proposed the creation of 31 additional states, a move that could push Nigeria’s total number of states from 36 to 67 if approved.
The development comes at a time when the country is grappling with rising debt, economic instability and fiscal challenges, raising concerns about the financial viability of the proposed states.
The committee’s recommendation was submitted in a letter to the House of Representatives, which was read during plenary on Thursday by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in Abuja.
The proposal also aligns with the ongoing constitution review and the push for local government autonomy being advocated by the Presidency.
However, an investigation revealed that as of June 30, 2024, Nigeria’s existing states were collectively indebted to the tune of N11.47 trillion, despite increased allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The Proposed New States and Regional Adjustments
According to the proposal, the distribution of the 31 new states would significantly alter Nigeria’s geopolitical structure. If approved:
- Northwest would increase from seven to 12 states
- Southwest would move from six to 13 states
- North Central would expand from six to 12 states
- Northeast would rise from six to 10 states
- Southeast would grow from five to nine states
- South-South would increase from six to 10 states
Some of the proposed states include: Okun, Okura, Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa (Benue); Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba); New Kaduna, Gurara (Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi); Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba (Southeast); Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori, Obolo (Rivers); Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ijebu (Ogun); and Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun).
The committee stated that specific requirements must be met before any new state is created, including a referendum and approval by the National Assembly.
“As amended, this section outlines specific requirements that must be fulfilled to initiate the process of state creation, which include the following: New state and boundaries. 1. An act of the National Assembly for the purpose of creating a new state shall only be passed if it requires support by at least the third majority of members.”
The letter further explained that the proposals should comply with constitutional guidelines and require documentation must be submitted to the committee’s secretariat in Abuja.
Financial Viability in Question
Despite the growing demand for new states, concerns have emerged regarding their economic sustainability. The financial status of existing states remains precarious, with many struggling to pay salaries, fund infrastructure, and meet budgetary obligations.
A public analyst, Adio Adegbite, questioned the feasibility of the proposal, given the country’s economic constraints.
“The President might have reneged on his promise of reducing the cost of governance and implementing the Oronsaye report. The Nigerian economy cannot afford 67 states,” he said.
He added “The committee set up for its implementation has been forgotten and nobody should expect anything meaningful from it again. The President during his media chat defended his large cabinet and did not see any reason to prune it down. Again, the National Assembly is now talking of new states. And if new states are created, you are increasing the number of government officials and civil servants, whereas most states are asking their workers to physically come to the office three times a week because they can’t afford their transport fare daily.”
Nigeria’s total debt stock rose by N8.02 trillion or N5.97% to N142 trillion in Q3 2024.
Even among states advocating for more representation, financial challenges remain severe. For instance, as of June 2024, the five existing states in the Southeast—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—owed a combined N415 billion.
Also, 24 out of the 36 existing states currently rely on federal allocations to pay salaries with internally generated revenue (IGR) significantly falling short of budgetary needs.
Political Reactions and Public Concerns
The move has triggered mixed reactions from analysts, civil society groups, and political observers.
Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, argued that the state creation push is driven by political ambitions rather than genuine developmental needs.
“If they like, let them lobby for the creation of one thousand states in Nigeria. We know some of them are looking for where to steal and carry out impunity and recklessness. Nigerians believe that such demands and the agitation have no developmental agenda but are anchored on greed and power for looting,” he stated.
Another political figure, Osita Okechukwu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), supported the marginalized regions’ calls for new states, citing political imbalance.
“The agitation for the creation of more states in Nigeria is a process, not a destination. I am one of the proponents because of the syndrome of bandits of multi-colours, where in each state, one ethnic or sub-ethnic group dominates the rest,” he said.
While proponents argue that new states would bring governance closer to the people, critics warn that Nigeria cannot sustain the additional administrative costs required to manage 67 states.
As the debate intensifies, the question remains: Can Nigeria afford more states in the face of mounting economic difficulties and an urgent need for cost-cutting measures?
