In a sweeping move that could reshape Nigeria’s political map, the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has announced it is considering 31 proposals for the creation of new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
According to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who chairs the committee, the proposals will be reviewed during a two-day zonal public hearing scheduled for July 4 and 5, 2025, to be held simultaneously in Lagos, Enugu, Ikot Ekpene, Jos, Maiduguri, and Kano.
Here’s the regional breakdown of the state creation requests:
- North East: 7 proposals
- North West: 6 proposals
- South West, South South, North Central: 5 each
- South East: 3 proposals
While the names of the proposed states have not been officially disclosed, sources suggest that long-standing demands such as Aba, Anioma, Ibadan, Orashi, Tiga, and Gurara may be among them.
The hearings are part of a broader constitutional review that also includes bills on:
- State police and internal security councils
- Local government autonomy
- Judicial and electoral reforms
- Gender inclusion in legislative seats
- Diaspora voting and independent candidacy
- Strengthening traditional institutions4
Senator Jibrin emphasized that the process will be inclusive and transparent, urging citizens to actively participate. “Every zone and every voice matters in this historic exercise,” he said.
If passed, these proposals could mark the most significant restructuring of Nigeria’s internal boundaries since the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996.