Reps Committee Proposes Creation of 31 New States Across Nigeria
The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced the receipt of 31 proposals for the creation of new states from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. On Thursday, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu read a letter outlining the proposals and the criteria that must be met for any new state requests to be approved.
The proposed new states include suggestions from all six zones: five from the North Central, four from the North East, five from the North West, five from the South East, four from the South South, and seven from the South West. Some of the proposed states are Okun, Okura, and Confluence in Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa in Benue; FCT State; and new states like Amana in Adamawa, Katagum in Bauchi, and Savannah in Borno, among others.
The Committee also emphasized the constitutional requirements for state creation. Proposals must be supported by at least a third majority from the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and the Local Government Council of the area. Additionally, any proposals for new local government areas are subject to the same constitutional provisions.
The letter further reminds that all proposals should be resubmitted in strict adherence to the guidelines, including the submission of three hard copies and electronic copies to the Committee’s Secretariat. The Committee remains committed to ensuring that the process follows constitutional procedures.
