House of Representatives Advances Proposals for Four New Nigerian States
In a significant development for Nigeria’s political landscape, the House of Representatives has passed four key bills seeking the creation of new states in various regions of the country. The bills were introduced as part of the ongoing Constitutional amendment process by the 10th National Assembly, marking a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s drive for greater regional representation and decentralization of power.
The four bills were presented for their second reading on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and they reflect a broad effort to address issues related to federalism, equity, and political representation in Nigeria. These bills aim to alter the existing constitutional framework to create new states, giving different regions within the country more autonomy, resources, and opportunities for development. Along with the four state-creation proposals, the House of Representatives also passed 38 other bills designed to modify various aspects of the 1999 Constitution.
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The four proposed bills for the creation of new states are a reflection of longstanding demands from various regions of Nigeria, with each bill tailored to address specific concerns about administrative boundaries, resource distribution, and ethnic or regional representation. The passage of these bills marks a significant step toward the realization of the aspirations of many Nigerians who have long called for the creation of additional states to improve governance and resource management.
One of the most prominent proposals is the bill for the creation of Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa States. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Oluwole Oke, representing the Oyo State constituency. The proposal seeks to amend Part 1 of the First Schedule of the Constitution to create three new states, each corresponding to an ethnic or geographic region within the southwestern part of Nigeria.
The Oke-Ogun State would be carved from the current Oyo State, addressing the historical demand for administrative autonomy in the Oke-Ogun region, which has a distinct cultural and economic identity. The creation of the Ijebu State would fulfill the long-standing request by the Ijebu people, who are part of the larger Yoruba ethnic group, to have their own state for more effective governance and resource control. Finally, the proposal for Ife-Ijesa State would give the Ife and Ijesa people, two prominent Yoruba subgroups, greater control over their regional affairs and promote better development within their area.
The bill has been well-received in the affected regions, with many local leaders and advocacy groups arguing that the creation of these states would promote socio-economic development and cultural preservation. Proponents of the bill contend that these regions are large and diverse enough to warrant separate states, with each having the resources and population to support an independent governance structure.
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The second bill on the list is the proposal for the creation of Tiga State. This bill seeks to carve out Tiga State from the present Kano State, with the proposed capital to be located in Rano. The bill was introduced by Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani, representing the Kano State constituency.
Kano State, one of Nigeria’s largest and most populous states, has long been at the center of debates over administrative boundaries. The demand for the creation of Tiga State has been a contentious issue for many years, as local communities in the northern part of the state have expressed dissatisfaction with their lack of political representation and equitable distribution of resources.
Supporters of the bill argue that Tiga State would help address these concerns by creating a state that would focus on the development needs of the northern regions of Kano. The proposed capital of Rano is already an important administrative and commercial center, making it a logical choice for the new state. By dividing Kano State into two, proponents believe that the new Tiga State would be better equipped to handle the economic, social, and infrastructural needs of its residents.
Critics, however, have voiced concerns about the potential for further division of resources and the increased administrative costs that may come with the creation of another state. Nevertheless, the bill’s proponents argue that the move would lead to better governance, improved infrastructure, and greater regional representation for the people of Tiga.
The third bill passed is the proposal for the creation of Orlu State. This bill was sponsored by Rep. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere, representing the Imo State constituency. Orlu is a major city in southeastern Nigeria and is one of the most significant cultural and economic centers in the region. The proposed state would be carved from the existing Imo State, which has been the subject of debates surrounding the equitable distribution of resources and political power.
The call for the creation of Orlu State stems from the desire of local communities in the region to gain more control over their political, economic, and social affairs. The southeastern region of Nigeria has long been underrepresented in terms of governance, and advocates for Orlu State believe that the new state would enable the region to better address its unique challenges.
The Orlu region has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many notable communities within the Igbo ethnic group. Proponents of the new state believe that it would foster greater unity among the people of the southeastern region and allow for more effective governance that caters specifically to their needs. The creation of Orlu State would also help to ensure that the southeastern region has a more balanced political structure, potentially increasing development opportunities and representation at both the state and federal levels.
The fourth bill concerns the creation of Etiti State, which would be carved from the existing states in the southeastern region of Nigeria. The proposed capital of Etiti State would be Okigwe. This bill was sponsored by Rep. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi, also representing a constituency in the southeastern region.
The creation of Etiti State is part of a broader movement to increase political representation and governance efficiency in southeastern Nigeria. Many local communities in the region have argued that the current administrative divisions fail to address their specific needs and that a new state would provide a platform for better infrastructure, educational development, and economic growth.
The proposed Etiti State would cover areas that are currently spread across five states in the southeast, potentially offering better governance to these areas by consolidating resources and power within a single administrative unit. Proponents argue that this would help to reduce the challenges of federal allocation disparities and enhance local development.
Following the presentation of the bills, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session, called for a voice vote. All four bills for the creation of new states passed and were subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further examination and consideration. This marks an important milestone in the ongoing Constitutional amendment process, but the bills still face several hurdles before they can become law.
The next step in the legislative process will involve the Committee on Constitution Review conducting a thorough analysis of the bills and possibly holding public hearings to gather feedback from stakeholders, including state governments, traditional leaders, and civil society groups. The committee will assess the feasibility of the proposed new states and consider their potential impact on Nigeria’s political and economic structure.
Once the committee completes its review, the bills will return to the House of Representatives for further debate and possible amendments. If the bills are approved by a two-thirds majority in the House, they will be sent to the Senate for consideration. If both chambers of the National Assembly approve the bills, they will be forwarded to the state houses of assembly for ratification.
For the new states to be officially created, at least 24 state assemblies must approve the proposed changes. This final step is crucial, as the approval of state houses of assembly will determine whether the creation of new states can proceed.
The creation of new states in Nigeria has always been a contentious issue, with strong arguments both for and against the move. On one hand, proponents argue that new states will help to address issues of marginalization, promote regional development, and ensure that local communities have more control over their resources. By creating new states, Nigeria could potentially foster greater political inclusivity and encourage more effective governance.
On the other hand, critics of state creation argue that it could lead to further fragmentation of the country, with increased administrative costs and the potential for inter-state conflicts over resources. There is also the concern that the creation of new states may not lead to meaningful development but rather to the establishment of new political elites who may exacerbate existing challenges.
As the debate over the creation of new states continues, the coming months will be critical in determining whether these proposed changes will ultimately succeed in reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape or whether they will become part of a long-running cycle of failed attempts to address issues of federalism and regional autonomy.
The passage of the four bills for the creation of new states by the House of Representatives is a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing process of constitutional reform. These proposals, along with the 38 other bills aimed at altering various provisions of the 1999 Constitution, reflect the desire to improve governance, regional representation, and resource allocation within the country.
The bills will now undergo further scrutiny in the House Committee on Constitution Review before being considered by the broader legislative body and the states. If successful, these new states could bring about a reordering of Nigeria’s political and administrative structure, with profound implications for the future of the country. As the process moves forward, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue to ensure that the creation of new states aligns with the broader goals of national unity and sustainable development.
Source: The Trent
