The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee’s proposition to create 31 additional states alongside the existing 36 states in Nigeria has sparked various reactions from notable individuals and groups across the country.
The proposal, revealed during the plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, suggested the addition of six new states in the North-Central, four in the North-East, five in the North-West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South-West.
Several groups, including Afenifere and the Arewa Consultative Forum, have criticized the idea, calling it unnecessary and unfeasible. Afenifere emphasized the importance of true federalism over state creation, highlighting the economic challenges many states already face.
Conversely, the Middle Belt Forum endorsed the proposal, advocating for a more inclusive government structure. The forum believes that the creation of new states could address historical imbalances and promote equitable distribution of power.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide expressed discontent with the proposal, arguing that the South-East deserved more states to rectify past injustices. Similarly, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum emphasized the need for equal state allocation across all geopolitical zones based on self-sustainability.
Former senators and House of Representatives members have also voiced their opinions on the matter, with some condemning the idea as impractical and others highlighting the importance of focusing on local government development instead.
While the proposal has stirred mixed reactions, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government will address the concerns raised by various stakeholders and whether the creation of new states will truly benefit the country’s governance structure and economic development.