National Assembly approves creation of new state in South-East
After decades of agitation over political imbalance, the South-East region of Nigeria is set to gain an additional state following the approval of the Joint Constitution Review Committee of the National Assembly.
The committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, reached the landmark decision during a closed-door session on Saturday. Lawmakers unanimously agreed that creating a sixth state in the region would correct structural inequality and promote national inclusion.
Kalu, one of the key advocates of the proposal, described the move as an “act of fairness,” adding that it would give the South-East a stronger voice in the federation.
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A statement from the committee’s media unit confirmed that the motion, moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ogun State), was adopted without opposition.
In addition, the committee announced the formation of a sub-committee to assess the broader demand for new states and local governments across the country. A total of 278 requests for state and LGA creation were received and will be evaluated based on population size, economic viability, and administrative feasibility.
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Barau Jibrin urged lawmakers to build consensus as the process moves toward constitutional amendment, which requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers and ratification by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.
The name and boundaries of the proposed South-East state will be determined in the next phase of legislative consultations. If approved, it will be Nigeria’s first new state since 1996.
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