The House of Representatives leadership has confirmed the receipt of 31 memoranda seeking the creation of additional states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu made this announcement on Thursday, 6th January, outlining the constitutional requirements that must be met for state creation requests to be considered.
According to Kalu, Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates that proposals for new states must have the support of at least two-thirds of members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the respective State Houses of Assembly, as well as Local Government Councils within the affected areas.
Among the proposed states are Benue Ala, Apa-Agba, Apa, Okun, Okura, and Confluence in the North Central; Amana, Katagum, Savannah, and Muri in the North East; New Kaduna, Gurara, Tiga, Kainji, and Ghari in the North West; Etiti, Adada, Urashi, Orlu, and Aba in the South East; Ogoja, Warri, Bori, and Obolo in the South South; and Toru-Ebe, Ibadan, Lagoon, Ijebu, Oke-Ogun, and Ifeesha in the South West.
Kalu emphasized that the proposals must adhere strictly to constitutional guidelines. He noted that Section 8.3 of the Constitution requires the outcome of referendums conducted by State Houses of Assembly to be forwarded to the National Assembly before any demands for new states can be fulfilled.
Applicants were directed to submit three hard copies of their proposals to the Secretariat of the Committee at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, along with electronic copies via the designated email.
Kalu reiterated the Committee’s commitment to reviewing proposals that fully comply with constitutional provisions. He also reminded advocates for new Local Government Areas (LGAs) that similar constitutional requirements apply to the creation of LGAs.
“The National Assembly is open to supporting efforts that align with the constitution, but only proposals that strictly follow the stipulated guidelines will be considered,” Kalu stated.
This development comes amid rising calls for greater political representation and resource control across various regions of the country.
