- The National Assembly’s decision on the new South East state aims to correct historical imbalances
- Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu led the discussions that secured unanimous approval
- Lawmakers say the creation of the South East state is driven by fairness, justice, and equal representation
- If ratified by two-thirds of the National Assembly and 24 State Assemblies, the new South East state will officially become Nigeria’s 37th state.
In what many have described as a historic and long overdue step, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has approved the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South East geopolitical zone.
The decision, reached after a two-day retreat in Lagos, seeks to address the long-standing regional imbalance that has left the South East with only five states, unlike other zones with six or seven.
The retreat was chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Lawmakers deliberated on 55 proposals for state creation across the country. Kalu, a consistent advocate for equal representation, emphasized that the approval was guided by fairness and justice rather than political sentiment.
READ ALSO: ABU Zaria Denies Involvement in Nuclear Weapons Development
“This decision is not about politics. It’s about equity for a region that has been structurally short-changed for too long,” Kalu stated.
The motion for the new South East state was moved by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka of Ogun State. It was unanimously adopted by the committee, marking a strong show of unity across party lines.
In addition, the committee established a subcommittee to further consider other proposals for new states and local governments across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. A total of 278 proposals are currently under review.
During the closing session, Senator Barau Jibrin urged committee members to begin consultations within both chambers and the State Houses of Assembly. He stressed that gaining early support would be crucial when the resolution goes to a constitutional vote.
“We must solidify the foundation we have laid so that by the time voting begins, all regions will already be aligned with this vision,” Jibrin said.
READ ALSO: Why I Rejected El-Rufai as My Successor — Obasanjo Reveals
The approval represents a major milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, especially for the South East region, which has long demanded parity with other zones. Although the specific name and boundaries of the proposed state have not been disclosed, sources confirm that the subcommittee will finalize details and consult stakeholders before presenting a final draft.
If successfully passed by two-thirds of the National Assembly and at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, Nigeria will officially have 37 states, an outcome many see as a victory for equity and national unity.
