Latest State Creation Requests in Nigeria (2025)
Background
The House of Representatives in Nigeria has recently received a record number of proposals for the creation of new states as part of ongoing constitutional review efforts. The House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution disclosed the receipt of 46 formal requests for new states from community groups and interest blocs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These requests reflect persistent demands for administrative restructuring and greater regional autonomy.
Legislative Process
The procedure for state creation is rigorous, requiring support from two-thirds of elected representatives at the federal, state, and local government levels in the affected areas. Historically, very few state creation proposals have advanced beyond committee reviews due to these stringent constitutional requirements.
List of Proposed States (2025 Submissions)
The official list of new state requests, as released by the House Committee, spans all six geopolitical zones. Below is the breakdown:
| Zone | Proposed States | Originating From |
|---|---|---|
| North-East | Savannah, Kwararafa, Katagum, Amana, Sardauna, Muri | Borno, Taraba, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba |
| North-West | Gurara, New Kaduna, Hadejia, Gobir, Kainji, Tiga, Ghari | Kaduna, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi/Niger, Kano |
| North-Central | Edu, Okun, Okura, South Plateau, Lowland, Igalamela, Apa-Agba, Apa | Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Benue |
| South-East | Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, Aba | Enugu, Imo, Abia |
| South-South | Ogoja, Warri, Oro, Obolo | Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers |
| South-West | Torumbe, Ibadan, Lagoon, Ijebu, Oke Ogun/Ijesha, Ife-Ijesha | Ondo, Oyo, Lagos/Ogun, Ogun, Oyo/Ogun/Osun |
This list continues to expand as more groups submit memoranda to the National Assembly.
Representative Examples (Per Region)
- North-East: Savannah (Borno), Katagum (Bauchi), Amana (Adamawa), Muri (Taraba)
- North-West: New Kaduna (Kaduna), Tiga & Ghari (Kano), Kainji (Kebbi/Niger)
- North-Central: Okun, Okura, Confluence (from Kogi), Apa & Benue Ala (from Benue), Edu (Niger), Federal Capital Territory
- South-East: Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, Aba (from Enugu, Imo, Abia)
- South-South: Ogoja (Cross River), Warri (Delta), Oro (Akwa Ibom) & Obolo (Rivers)
- South-West: Torumbe (Ondo), Ibadan (Oyo), Lagoon & Ijebu (Ogun), Oke Ogun/Ife-Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun)
Notable Developments
- Submission Deadline Extended: The House extended the deadline for state creation memos due to significant public interest and calls for additional time.
- Senate Public Hearings: The Senate is holding zonal public hearings to gather wider input on these proposals, a key constitutional requirement for moving forward.
Key Points
- Total Requests: 46 proposed new states as of July 16, 2025.
- Goal: To address perceived political imbalance, enhance local governance, and meet longstanding demands for regional identity.
While the large number of requests demonstrates strong local aspirations, the likelihood of any single state being created remains subject to constitutional hurdles and Nigeria’s delicate federal structure.
