A new plan by the House of Representatives to create 31 more states in Nigeria has led to strong reactions from many Nigerians and groups. Some people think it is a bad idea, while others support it.
Beyond Boders gathered that the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review sent a proposal to create 31 new states in addition to the 36 existing ones. The proposal was read in the House on Thursday by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who was in charge because Speaker Tajudeen Abbas was absent.
The suggested new states include Okun, Okura, Confluence (Kogi), Benue Ala, Apa (Benue), FCT State, Amana (Adamawa), Katagum (Bauchi), Savannah (Borno), Muri (Taraba), New Kaduna, Gujarat (Kaduna), Tiga, Ari (Kano), Kainji (Kebbi), Etiti, Orashi (South-East), Adada (Enugu), Orlu, Aba, Ogoja (Cross River), Warri (Delta), Ori, Obolo (Rivers), Torumbe (Ondo), Ibadan (Oyo), Lagoon (Lagos), Ogun, Ijebu (Ogun), and Oke Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun).
Groups Reject Proposal
The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have rejected the proposal. They believe Nigeria does not need more states but should focus on better governance.
Afenifere’s National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, said the plan does not support true federalism. He said adding more states will not solve Nigeria’s problems but will create more economic struggles.
The ACF also disagreed with the proposal. Its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said most of Nigeria’s 36 states are struggling financially. He warned that creating more states will increase costs without solving any issues.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) supported the proposal. Its National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said it would help bring fairness and equity in governance. He explained that some areas, like Southern Borno, have never produced a governor, and new states would allow better representation.
The Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, demanded more states for the South-East, arguing that the region has been treated unfairly in state creation. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, said the South-East should get more states to match other regions.
The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) stated that new states should be created fairly, ensuring all regions have equal numbers. The group’s spokesman, Christopher Ominimini, said states should also be able to survive financially without depending on federal funds.
Ex-Lawmakers Disagree
Some former lawmakers have also rejected the proposal. Senator Haruna Garba called it “unbelievable” and warned that Nigeria cannot afford 31 more states. He suggested that each region should get one more state instead.
Ex-Senator Nicholas Tofowomo also opposed the idea. He said Nigeria should focus on strengthening local governments instead of creating more states.
Former House of Representatives member, Barth Nnanna, said Nigeria should return to a regional government system. He noted that many of the existing 36 states depend on federal money for survival.
The proposal is still under discussion. The House Committee on Constitution Review will receive more suggestions before making a final decision. However, with strong opposition from key groups, it is unclear if the plan will move forward.
