House Committee Unveils Plan for 31 New States, Redrawing Nigeria’s Political Map
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the creation of 31 new states, which would bring Nigeria’s total number of sub-national governments to 67. The proposal, which was presented during Thursday’s plenary session, is part of ongoing efforts to amend the Constitution and reshape the country’s political landscape.
Nigeria to Add 31 New States, Transforming Country into 67 Sub-National Governments
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, read a letter detailing the committee’s proposal. If approved, the new states would be spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with the North Central set to gain six new states, the North East four, the North West five, the South East five, the South-South four, and the South West seven.
Constitution Review Committee Proposes Major Restructure with 31 New States
The proposal includes a variety of new states, such as Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; and the creation of FCT state. Other proposed states include Amana from Adamawa, Katagum from Bauchi, and Muri from Taraba, among several others.
House Committee Unveils Plan for 31 New States, Redrawing Nigeria’s Political Map
The committee outlined the procedures for initiating the creation of a new state, requiring the support of at least a third of the members in the National Assembly. Additionally, the proposal stresses the importance of fulfilling constitutional provisions, including the involvement of State Houses of Assembly and local government councils. Proposals must adhere strictly to the guidelines set out by the committee to be considered.
Some of the new states proposed are Okun from Kogi, Benue Ala from Benue, Amana from Adamawa, and Tiga from Kano, among others. The committee emphasized that the process would only move forward if all constitutional requirements are met, including the submission of full proposals by advocates of new states.
