Tensions Rise As Reps Push For 31 New States—Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Cry Foul

If approved, the proposal would increase Nigeria’s state count from 36 to 67. The details were unveiled during Thursday’s plenary session in a letter read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Proposed New States Include:

• North-Central: Okun, Okura, Confluence (Kogi); Benue Ala, Apa (Benue); FCT State
• North-East: Amana (Adamawa); Katagum (Bauchi); Savannah (Borno); Muri (Taraba)
• North-West: New Kaduna, Gujarat (Kaduna); Tiga, Ari (Kano); Kainji (Kebbi)
• South-East: Etiti, Orashi (additional SE states); Adada (Enugu); Orlu (Imo); Aba (Abia)
• South-South: Ogoja (Cross River); Warri (Delta); Ori, Obolo (Rivers)
• South-West: Torumbe (Ondo); Ibadan (Oyo); Lagoon (Lagos); Ijebu, Ogun (Ogun); Oke-Ogun/Ijesha (Oyo/Ogun/Osun)

The committee emphasized that the creation of new states must adhere to constitutional requirements, including a two-thirds majority approval from the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils.

Afenifere, Arewa Groups Slam Proposal as ‘Unnecessary’

Key socio-political groups like Afenifere and the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) have rejected the proposal, calling it “ridiculous and unnecessary.”

Abagun Kole Omololu, National Organizing Secretary of Afenifere, criticized the move in an interview with Punch, stating it contradicts Afenifere’s persistent push for true federalism.

“The recent proposal by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review to create 31 new states does not align with Afenifere’s long-standing demand for true federalism,” Omololu said.

“Instead of addressing the core structural issues plaguing Nigeria, this initiative appears to be a mere political exercise that will further weaken governance and deepen economic inefficiencies,” he added.