The Nigerian House of Representatives has moved forward with legislative efforts to create four additional states as part of an ongoing constitutional amendment process. During a plenary session on March 26, the Green Chamber passed four bills through the second reading, signaling significant progress in the push for state creation.
Proposed States and Their Sponsors
The proposed states and the lawmakers sponsoring the bills include:
- Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa States – Sponsored by Rep. Oluwole Oke (HB.1098)
- Tiga State (Carved from Kano State, with Rano as its capital) – Sponsored by Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani (HB.1308)
- Orlu State (South-East region) – Sponsored by Rep. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere (HB.1430)
- Etiti State (South-East region, with Okigwe as its capital) – Sponsored by Rep. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi (HB.1998)
These bills were among 42 constitutional amendment proposals deliberated upon during the session, aimed at altering specific provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The House Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, presented the bills, with Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda seconding them. Following a voice vote conducted by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, the proposed legislation successfully scaled through the second reading.
The bills have now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, which will conduct further scrutiny before they proceed to the next legislative stage.
If successfully passed into law, the creation of these four states would reshape Nigeria’s geopolitical structure. Advocates argue that new states would promote regional development, enhance governance, and improve resource allocation. However, critics warn that it could lead to increased administrative costs and political complexities.
