…says zoning arrangements clearly favoured a section of Nigeria
By Emmanuel Agaji
The Director General of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, CCLCA Dr Gabriel Nwambu has called for critical examination and outright condemnation of the move to create 31 additional states in Nigeria.
Dr Nwambu disclosed on Friday in a position paper entitled: ‘Position Paper: Condemnation of the Proposal for New State Creation in Nigeria’ declaring that:
“The recent proposals for the creation of 31 new states by the House of Representatives Committee warrant critical examination and, ultimately, outright condemnation.
“As Nigeria navigates through significant economic challenges, it is essential we approach governance reforms with an understanding of current realities.
“It is clear that the creation of additional states is not a viable solution to our nation’s pressing issues and, in fact, could exacerbate the situations we are working hard to overcome.
Current Viability of Existing States
“As it stands, Nigeria is currently composed of 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory. A disconcerting number of these states are not financially viable. Many states are unable to meet basic obligations, such as paying the minimum wage of ₦70,000.
He explained that: “The crux of the matter is that some states have reached a point of insolvency, making the idea of creating new states—a process that demands additional financial resources—even more untenable.
” Rather than resolving existing state-level inefficiencies, the introduction of new states would only compound financial burdens on an already strained federation.
Zoning and Geopolitical Implications
“The proposed new states raise critical concerns regarding zoning and geopolitical distribution, particularly highlighting an imbalance favoring northern regions.
“The potential increase in Local Government Areas in the North signifies not just a concentration of political resources but also increased financial allocations to that region. This further marginalizes regions like the South East, where the new proposals result in fewer states. Such an approach fails to foster national cohesion and equity among the disparate regions of Nigeria, risking further discord rather than unity.
Cost of Governance Concerns
“The timing of these proposals is troubling, especially as we engage in discussions aimed at reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria.
” The addition of 31 new states would inherently lead to an increase in legislative assemblies, senators, and representatives, thereby inflating the political structure rather than streamlining it. Rather than focusing on mechanisms to enhance governance efficiency, we would instead be entrenching a model that is financially unsustainable.
Imminent National Challenges
“Moreover, the pressing issues that Nigeria faces—ranging from rampant insecurity, widespread unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and dwindling infrastructure—demand our immediate attention and resources. At this pivotal moment, the creation of new states distracts from tackling these fundamental concerns.
” It is crucial to consider how we can strengthen existing governance structures, enhance service delivery, and ensure that government revenues transparently address the needs of our citizens, rather than atrophying under the weight of new state establishments.
Conclusion
“In conclusion, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness strongly condemns any proposals for the creation of new states in Nigeria.
“Such actions would not only worsen our current economic quagmire but would also lead to heightened regional disparities, escalating governance costs, and distract from the critical reforms and policies necessary to improve the lives of Nigerians across the country.
“We urge policymakers, opinion leaders, and the general public to prioritize pressing developmental needs over cosmetic political restructuring.
“The focus should remain on enhancing the efficiency and viability of existing states, tackling economic challenges head-on, and fostering true national unity. The call for new states is neither a panacea for our problems nor a justifiable use of national resources at this time.
“Thank you for considering this position paper. We hope it contributes to the necessary dialogue surrounding the governance challenges we face in Nigeria.