Ex-Lawmakers, Groups Reject Reps’ 31-State Proposal

A proposal by the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee to create 31 additional states in Nigeria has sparked nationwide criticism from prominent individuals and socio-political groups. The recommendation, read during Thursday’s plenary by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, has been met with strong opposition from groups such as the Yoruba socio-cultural organization Afenifere and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), which described it as unrealistic and unnecessary.

Under the proposal, new states would be spread across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones: six in the North-Central, four in the North-East, five in the North-West, five in the South-South, and seven in the South-West. Some of the proposed states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT State; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; and Muri from Taraba. The South-East, which has long clamored for additional states, was allocated only two—Etiti and Orashi.

Afenifere rejected the proposal, arguing that it contradicts the group’s call for true federalism. The organization’s National Organizing Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, criticized the move as a politically motivated distraction that would further weaken governance. He noted that many of Nigeria’s current 36 states struggle financially and depend on federal allocations for survival. Instead of creating more states, Afenifere urged the National Assembly to focus on constitutional reforms that grant states more autonomy and resource control.

Similarly, the ACF dismissed the proposal as impractical. The forum’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, argued that adding more states would exacerbate Nigeria’s financial burden and create administrative inefficiencies. He emphasized that many existing states are already struggling with governance, and increasing the number would only serve the interests of political elites rather than addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

Despite the widespread opposition, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) supported the proposal, describing it as a step toward equitable governance. The group’s National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, emphasized that the country’s current structure has marginalized certain regions, particularly Southern Borno, which has never produced a governor. He argued that new states would help correct historical injustices and promote fairer resource distribution.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, also criticized the allocation of states, arguing that the South-East remains the most marginalized region in terms of state creation. The group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, stated that the South-East deserves more states than any other zone to balance political representation and correct historical disparities.

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) maintained that while state creation could be beneficial, it should be done equitably across all geopolitical zones. The group’s spokesperson, Christopher Ominimini, stressed that any new states must be economically viable, warning against further dependence on oil revenue from the Niger Delta while other regions are allowed to exploit their natural resources independently.

Former lawmakers also voiced strong opposition. Former Ambassador to Kuwait and ex-Senator Haruna Garba described the proposal as “unbelievable” and questioned how Nigeria would finance the administration of 67 states. Similarly, former Senator Nicholas Tofowomo called the move “useless,” arguing that the focus should be on strengthening local governments rather than creating additional states that lack economic viability.

Former House of Representatives member Barth Nnanna also criticized the proposal, warning that managing 67 states would be chaotic. He noted that most of Nigeria’s existing states depend on federal allocations, and instead of creating more states, the government should focus on restructuring the country into a regional system. Another former lawmaker, Ogbona Nwuke, pointed out that governors are unlikely to support the proposal, as state creation has historically been carried out by military regimes rather than civilian administrations.

Reactions from other political figures further highlight the deep divide over the proposal. Former Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki, dismissed the idea as “insane,” questioning how the government would finance new states. Ex-INEC Federal Commissioner, Prof. Lai Olurode, argued that increasing the number of states without addressing governance issues would not solve Nigeria’s fundamental problems. However, former Bayelsa State Commissioner Markson Fefegha supported the move, suggesting that it could lead to more development through additional state capitals, local government areas, and constituencies.