…move aim to address long-standing imbalance, promote regional equity
By Gloria Ikibah
The Joint Committee of Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has given its approval for the creation of an additional state in the South East, a move that would bring the region’s total to six states. 
The decision emerged from a two-day retreat held in Lagos, where members of the committee considered 55 separate proposals for new states across the federation. The South East currently has five states—one fewer than other geopolitical zones, most of which have six or seven.
The session, 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, examined the matter extensively.
Lawmakers argued that the creation of an additional state in the South East would promote equity, justice, and fairness in the nation’s structure.
After thorough deliberations, a motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka member representing Ifo/Ewekoro federal constituency of Ogun State received unanimous backing from members of the committee and was formally adopted.
In addition, the committee set up a subcommittee to review further proposals for state and local government creation across all six geopolitical zones. It disclosed that a total of 278 submissions had been received for consideration.
Senator Jibrin urged lawmakers at both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to support the resolutions during the next phase of voting, describing the move as a crucial step towards strengthening Nigeria’s federal balance.
He said: “We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process.
“By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders—from both chambers and the State Houses of Assembly.”
