The audacious proposal by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution to create 31 new states in Nigeria is nothing short of a farce. In a nation where only a handful of the existing 36 states—namely Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, and Edo—are economically viable, this suggestion reeks of reckless political opportunism and a gross miscalculation of national priorities.
The move is an egregious display of political self-indulgence and fiscal irresponsibility that is not only preposterous but also a flagrant dereliction of duty by the lawmakers. This absurd proposal is a blatant attempt to appease regional and ethnic interests at the expense of national development. The creation of new states will only multiply bureaucracies, increase governance costs, and exacerbate inefficiencies within the public sector. Nigeria cannot afford this folly.
House Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu while presiding at a plenary last Thursday, read a letter from the committee containing the proposed states. If approved, this will increase the number of states in Nigeria to 67. The new states are: North-Central zone (seven states) – Benue Ala from the present Benue State, Okun from the present Kogi State, Okura from the present Kogi State, Confluence from the present Kogi State, Apa-Agba from Benue South Senatorial District, Apa from the present Benue State and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The North-East zone will have four new states – Amana from present Adamawa State, Katagum from the present Bauchi State, Savannah from present Borno State, and Muri from present Taraba State. The Northwest zone also has four new states – New Kaduna and Gurara from present Kaduna State, Tiga from present Kano State, Kainji from present Kebbi State and Ghari from present Kano State
The South-East zone has five new states – Etiti, Adada from the present Enugu State, Urashi, Orlu from the South Eastern Region of Nigeria and Aba from the South Eastern Region of Nigeria. The South-South has four states – Ogoja from present Cross River State, Warri from present Delta State, Bori from present Rivers State and Obolo from present Rivers and Akwa Ibom States. The Southwest has seven states – Toru-Ebe from present Delta, Edo, and Ondo States, Ibadan from present Oyo State, Lagoon from present Lagos State, Ijebu from present Ogun State, Lagoon from present Lagos State and Ogun State, Oke-Ogun and Ife-Ijesha states from the present-day Ogun, Oyo, and Osun states.
As of June 30, 2024, the combined debt of Nigeria’s 36 states has escalated to a staggering ₦11.47 trillion. Lagos State alone shoulders a domestic debt burden of ₦996.44 billion, with Delta State following at ₦465.40 billion. Despite these alarming figures, our legislators are fixated on multiplying administrative units, thereby inflating bureaucracy and exacerbating the financial strain on a nation already teetering on the brink of economic collapse. Nigeria is currently grappling with crippling economic challenges, including skyrocketing debt, widespread poverty, dilapidated infrastructure, and insecurity. Instead of addressing these urgent issues, lawmakers are fixated on a divisive and financially ruinous agenda to balkanize the nation further. How do they justify this brazen disregard for fiscal responsibility when most states already depend heavily on federal allocations just to pay salaries?
State creation is not a solution to the grievances of marginalized communities—good governance is. Instead of carving up the country into unsustainable fragments, lawmakers should focus on fostering accountability, resource management, and grassroots development within existing states. This proposal is not merely ill-advised; it is a blatant affront to the Nigerian people. It diverts attention from pressing issues such as rampant insecurity, decaying infrastructure, and pervasive poverty. The creation of 31 new states will inevitably lead to increased governance costs, further inefficiencies, and a deepening of the nation’s economic quagmire.
The House of Representatives must immediately abandon this reckless proposal and redirect its efforts toward crafting and implementing policies that promote economic stability, enhance good governance, and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians. The citizens of this nation will not stand idly by as their so-called representatives squander resources and jeopardize the country’s future for personal and political gain. The Nigerian people demand and deserve a legislature that prioritizes national interests and progress, not a political circus that serves selfish parochial interests. Enough of the distractions – it is time for responsible leadership. Enough is enough.
