In a move that has sparked intense debate, the House of Representatives’ Constitution Review Committee has proposed the creation of 31 additional states across Nigeria—a move that former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has described as both “ironic” and “comical.”
The controversial proposal, which was read during Thursday’s plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, suggests carving out new states from Nigeria’s existing 36, despite many of them struggling financially and relying heavily on federal allocations for survival.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) page on Friday, Sani sharply criticized the lawmakers, alleging that the proposal is a self-serving attempt by politicians to “carve out mini colonies for themselves.”
According to the committee, chaired by Kalu, the 31 proposed states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT State; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; Muri from Taraba; New Kaduna and Gurara from Kaduna State; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi; Etiti and Orashi as the sixth states in the South-East; Adada from Enugu; Orlu and Aba. Others are Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers, Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ijebu and Ogun from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun States.
With Nigeria facing economic downturns, skyrocketing inflation, and dwindling revenues, critics argue that adding more states could further strain the country’s financial resources rather than drive development. Sani’s remarks echo concerns that rather than addressing urgent national issues such as security, unemployment, and infrastructural decay, lawmakers are focused on redrawing political boundaries for personal gain.
The proposal has fueled suspicions of political maneuvering ahead of future elections, with critics questioning whether the lawmakers are prioritizing national progress or simply laying the groundwork for new political strongholds. As reactions continue to pour in, Nigerians are left wondering: Will this proposal see the light of day, or is it just another political distraction?
