The National Assembly has initiated significant amendments to the Nigerian constitution, including the proposal to create seven new states across various regions.
This move aims to address long-standing demands for administrative restructuring and improved regional representation.
Proposed New States:
- Oke-Ogun State
- Region: Southwest
- Current State: Oyo
- Local Government Areas: Olorunsogo, Irepo, Oorerelope, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Saki-East, Saki-West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Iseyin
- Sponsor: Hon. Oluwole Oke (Obokun/Oriade, Osun State)
- Etiti State
- Region: Southeast
- Current States: Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo
- Sponsors: Miriam Onuoha, Chinwe Nnabuife, Amobi Ogah, Anayo Onwuegbu, Kama Nkemkama
- Ijebu State
- Region: Southwest
- Current State: Ogun
- Local Government Areas: Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, Sagamu, parts of Abeokuta
- Sponsor: Hon. Oluwole Oke
- Ife-Ijesha State
- Region: Southwest
- Current State: Osun
- Local Government Areas: Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Boluwaduro, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, Ilesa West
- Sponsor: Hon. Oluwole Oke
- Adada State
- Region: Southeast
- Current State: Enugu
- Local Government Areas: Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Nsukka, Igga, Uzo-Uwani
- Capital: Nsukka
- Sponsor: Senator Okey Ezea
- Orlu State
- Region: Southeast
- Current State: To be determined
- Local Government Areas: 28 (specific areas not listed)
- Anioma State
- Region: Southeast
- Current State: To be determined
- Local Government Areas: 9 (specific areas not listed)
Legislative Progress:
The bills for these proposed states have been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and have undergone their first readings, marking the initial stage in the legislative process.
Background and Rationale:
The creation of these new states aims to enhance administrative efficiency, bring government closer to the people, and address regional imbalances. Each proposed state has been strategically planned to encompass specific local government areas, ensuring that new administrative boundaries reflect local identities and developmental needs.
The bills will undergo further readings and deliberations in both chambers of the National Assembly. If passed, they will require approval through a national referendum and the endorsement of the President.