Reps Propose Creation of 31 New States in Nigeria, Including Etiti, Lagoon, Warri, and Okun

House of Reps Proposes 31 New States, Including Etiti, Lagoon, Warri, and Okun

The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee has put forward a proposal to create 31 new states across Nigeria, significantly increasing the current 36-state structure. This proposal, presented during a plenary session in Abuja, was read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, highlighting a major constitutional review effort.

Breakdown of the Proposed New States

The committee’s proposal includes states from various geopolitical zones:

• North Central: Okun State, Okura State, Confluence State (Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa (Benue); FCT State.
• North East: Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba).
• North West: New Kaduna, Gujarat (Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi).
• South East: Etiti, Orashi (6th Southeast state); Adada (Enugu); Orlu, Aba (Southeast).
• South-South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori, Obolo (Rivers).
• South West: Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ogun, Ijebu (Ogun); Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun).

This proposal aims to restructure governance, bring administration closer to the people, and ensure equitable resource distribution.

Legal and Procedural Requirements for New States

For any state creation process to succeed, it must comply with Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution. The requirements include:

1. Approval from a Two-Third Majority – The National Assembly, State Assemblies, and Local Government Councils in the affected areas must vote in favor of the proposal.
2. Referendum Process – The State Houses of Assembly must conduct a referendum, and the results must be forwarded to the National Assembly.
3. Formal Submission of Proposals – Memoranda supporting state creation must be submitted to the House Committee at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, in both hard and electronic copies.

Committee’s Stand on State Creation

The House Constitution Review Committee reiterated that all proposals must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions. The committee will only consider proposals that meet these legal requirements and are properly documented.

Conclusion

The proposed creation of 31 new states in Nigeria marks a significant step in addressing regional representation, governance, and development. However, the success of this initiative depends on constitutional approval and broad political consensus.

For continuous updates on Nigeria’s constitutional reforms, stay connected to LMSINT MEDIA.

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