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NASS pushes for equitable state distribution in fresh constitution review
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Constitution Review Committee approves creation of six new states across six geopolitical zones.
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Resolution follows review of 55 state requests, 278 LG proposals during Lagos retreat.
The Joint Committee of the National Assembly, (NASS) on Constitution Review has endorsed the creation of six new states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The decision was reached at the end of a two-day retreat in Lagos, co-chaired by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
According to the resolution, one additional state will be created in each of the country’s six geopolitical zones — North West, North East, North Central, South West, South South, and South East — raising Nigeria’s total from 36 to 42 states if ratified.
“We have unanimously agreed on the creation of six additional states to ensure fairness and equity,” a principal officer said.
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The lawmakers reached the decision after considering 69 bills, including 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustment proposals, and 278 local government creation requests.
In a statement signed by the committee’s leadership, a subcommittee was established to identify areas from which the new states will be carved. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Chief Whip, chairs the subcommittee.
“We will meticulously review all 55 requests for state creation to come up with fair and just proposals for the six new states,” said a member from the North West zone.
The report of the Joint Committee will be presented to both chambers of the National Assembly in the first week of November 2025.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, while addressing members, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to people-centred and timely constitutional amendments, saying the process has been ongoing for two years with broad stakeholder consultations.
“We have engaged citizens, civil society organisations, and interest groups nationwide. What we now have before us is a product of collective input that reflects Nigeria’s diversity,” Barau said in a statement signed by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir.
