Senate has proposed the creation of 31 new states across Nigeria.

NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Nigerian Senate is reviewing proposals for the creation of 31 additional states across the country as part of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, in what could become the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system since independence.

Led by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review announced plans to hold zonal public hearings on July 4 and 5 in Lagos, Enugu, Ikot Ekpene, Jos, Maiduguri, and Kano. The hearings will gather citizen input on the sweeping reforms.

According to the committee, state creation proposals have emerged from all six geopolitical zones, with the North-East leading with seven requests, followed by the North-West (six), and five each from the South-West, South-South, and North-Central. The South-East is requesting three to five new states.

FULL LIST OF PROPOSED STATES

North-Central:

Benue Ala (from Benue)

Okun, Okura, Confluence (from Kogi)

Apa-Agba, Apa (from Benue)

Federal Capital Territory (to be a standalone 37th state)

North-East:

Amana (from Adamawa)

Katagum (from Bauchi)

Savannah (from Borno)

Muri (from Taraba)

North-West:

New Kaduna, Gurara (from Kaduna)

Tiga, Ghari (from Kano)

Kainji (from Kebbi)

South-East:

Etiti (proposed 6th SE state)

Adada (from Enugu)

Urashi, Orlu, Aba (from South-East region)

South-South:

Ogoja (from Cross River)

Warri (from Delta)

Bori (from Rivers)

Obolo (from Rivers/Akwa Ibom)

South-West:

Toru-Ebe (from Delta, Edo, Ondo)

Ibadan (from Oyo)

Lagoon (from Lagos)

Ijebu, Oke-Ogun (from Ogun)

Ife-Ijesha (from Oyo and Osun)

Other proposals under consideration include:

ANIM State (from Anambra and Imo)

Abak State (from Akwa Ibom)

Some of these bills have already passed second reading in the National Assembly.

Other Key Proposals in the Constitution Review
Beyond state creation, the committee is considering several landmark reforms:

Full autonomy for local governments, including independent election bodies

20 bills on judicial reform, including setting judgment timelines and expanding tribunal powers

Creation of state police forces and security councils

Fiscal reforms to enforce budget timelines and improve revenue sharing

Gender inclusion, with reserved legislative seats for women

Diaspora voting rights and legal recognition of independent candidates

Expanded roles for traditional rulers through National and State Councils

Decentralization of powers, including moving items like labour and shipping to the Concurrent List

NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Senate Committee urged all Nigerians to participate in the hearings, emphasizing that public input is vital to producing a constitution that reflects the country’s present-day realities and aspirations.

More updates to follow as the process unfolds.