The National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Constitution Review has approved the creation of six new states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, a development that could significantly alter the country’s political and administrative landscape.
The decision was reached at the end of a two-day retreat in Lagos, co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
According to sources within the committee, the proposal seeks to promote fairness, regional balance, and equitable representation in governance. Lawmakers believe the move will address long-standing demands for inclusion and autonomy, especially in regions that have long felt politically marginalised.
If implemented, Nigeria’s number of states will rise from 36 to 42. Each geopolitical zone — North West, North East, North Central, South West, South South, and South East — will receive one additional state.
The lawmakers explained that this approach was designed to ensure national balance and prevent renewed regional tension. Under the new arrangement, the South South and South West zones will each have seven states, the South East will increase to six, while the North West, North East, and North Central will have eight, seven, and seven respectively.
A subcommittee, led by Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, has been established to determine the specific areas from which the six new states will be carved out. The members have pledged to conduct a transparent process that considers all 55 requests for state creation currently before the National Assembly.
Supporters of the proposal argue that new states will improve governance, enhance local development, and ensure fairer resource distribution. However, critics caution that the move could lead to increased administrative costs and bureaucratic complexity.
A principal officer of the committee described the outcome as “a rare show of national unity,” noting that the resolution enjoyed unanimous backing from both chambers of the National Assembly.
The final report is expected to be presented to the Senate and House of Representatives in the first week of November for formal adoption.
