House of Representatives Receives Proposals for 31 New States

In a significant development, the House of Representatives has received proposals for the creation of 31 new states across Nigeria. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, announced during Thursday’s plenary session.

The proposals come as part of ongoing constitutional amendments, with the National Assembly working to reshape Nigeria’s administrative landscape. The proposed states span across all geopolitical zones, reflecting widespread agitation for increased regional autonomy and governance efficiency.

Full List of Proposed States

North-Central

1. Benue Ala State (from Benue State)
2. Okun State (from Kogi State)
3. Okura State (from Kogi State)
4. Confluence State (from Kogi State)
5. Apa-Agba State (Benue South Senatorial District)
6. Apa State (from Benue State)
7. Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

North-East

8. Amana State (from Adamawa State)
9. Katagum State (from Bauchi State)
10. Savanah State (from Borno State)
11. Muri State (from Taraba State)

North-West

12. New Kaduna State (from Kaduna State)
13. Gurara State (from Kaduna State)
14. Tiga State (from Kano State)
15. Kainji State (from Kebbi State)
16. Ghari State (from Kano State)

South-East

17. Etiti State
18. Adada State (from Enugu State)
19. Urashi State
20. Orlu State (from Imo State)
21. Aba State (from Abia State)

South-South

22. Ogoja State (from Cross River State)
23. Warri State (from Delta State)
24. Bori State (from Rivers State)
25. Obolo State (from Rivers and Akwa Ibom States)

South-West

26. Toru-Ebe State (from Delta, Edo, and Ondo States)
27. Ibadan State (from Oyo State)
28. Lagoon State (from Lagos and Ogun States)
29. Ibeju State (from Ogun State)
30. Ife-Ijesha State (from Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States)
31. Oke-Ogun State (from Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States)

The proposals will undergo rigorous review under Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines strict conditions for state creation. These conditions include:

• A two-thirds majority approval from members representing the proposed state area in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• Endorsement by the relevant State House of Assembly and local government councils. A successful referendum in the affected area was approved by at least two-thirds of the people. Nationwide approval by a simple majority of all states and the National Assembly.

The National Assembly is currently in the process of amending the 1999 Constitution, with completion expected by December 2025. Given the complexity of state creation, no new state has been established since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

Kalu emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions, urging proponents to re-submit their proposals by Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in strict compliance with the legal requirements.