Okura, Okun, On the list as House of Rep Committee Proposes Creation of additional 28 New States in Nigeria.

By Mercy Aliwo.

In a move towards restructuring the nation, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has proposed the establishment of 31 new states across Nigeria. If approved, this initiative would increase the total number of states in the country to 67.

The proposal was presented during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the meeting in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. The committee, led by Kalu, has outlined plans for the distribution of the new states, suggesting six for North Central, four for North East, five for North West, five for South East, four for South South, and seven for South West.

The committee’s letter detailed the requirements necessary for the creation of new states, emphasizing the need for substantial legislative support. Key stipulations include:

1.  Legislative Support: An act to create a new state must receive backing from at least one-third of the members of the National Assembly.
2.  Local Government Involvement: Proposals must be endorsed by the House of Representatives, the respective House of Assembly, and the Local Government Council for the area in question.
3.  Constitutional Compliance: Any advocacy for additional local government areas must adhere to Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which outlines the procedural framework for state creation.
4.  Referendum Requirements: According to Section 8 (3) of the Constitution, the results of any votes from the State Houses of Assembly regarding referendums must be submitted to the National Assembly to fulfill state demands.

The proposed new states include:

•   From Kogi State: Okun, Okura, and Confluence
•   From Benue State: Benue Ala and Apa
•   Federal Capital Territory: FCT State
•   From Adamawa: Amana State
•   From Bauchi: Katagum State
•   From Borno: Savannah State
•   From Taraba: Muri State
•   From Kaduna State: New Kaduna and Gujarat
•   From Kano: Tiga and Ari
•   From Kebbi: Kainji State
•   From Enugu: Adada
•   From South East: Etiti and Orashi
•   From Cross River: Ogoja
•   From Delta: Warri
•   From Rivers: Ori and Obolo
•   From Ondo: Torumbe
•   From Oyo: Ibadan
•   From Lagos: Lagoon
•   From Ogun State: Ogun and Ijebu
•   From Oyo/Ogun/Osun States: Oke Ogun/Ijesha

The committee has urged interested parties to submit their proposals in strict compliance with the outlined guidelines and has provided contact information for further inquiries. This proposal marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review process, reflecting the committee’s commitment to aligning with constitutional provisions and addressing regional demands.