The Joint Committee on Constitution Review of the Senate and House of Representatives has approved the creation of an additional state in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Once established, the new state will bring the South-East to parity with most other geo-political zones, each having six states. Currently, the region comprises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states—making it the only zone with five states.
The resolution was reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos, where the committee reviewed 55 proposals for state creation nationwide. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu.
Lawmakers at the session agreed that establishing an additional state would promote fairness and equity in the country’s federal structure. Kalu, a major advocate for the proposal, emphasized that a new state would give the South-East people a greater sense of belonging within the federation.
According to a statement from the committee’s media unit, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) moved the motion for the new state, which was seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State). The motion received unanimous approval from committee members.
In addition, the committee constituted a sub-committee to consider other proposals for new states and local government areas across all six zones. A total of 278 submissions were presented for review.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin urged lawmakers to mobilize support for the resolution across both chambers of the National Assembly and state assemblies to ensure its passage during the next stage of voting.
“We must consolidate what we have started so that all regions can participate fully in this process,” Jibrin said. “By the time voting begins, every stakeholder should already be on board.”
The development marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional amendment efforts, which aim to address issues of representation, equity, and national cohesion.
