The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has unanimously approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East geopolitical zone. This decision aims to bring the South-East in line with other regions, each having six states.
Currently, the South-East comprises five states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. In contrast, the North-West has seven states, including Kaduna and Kano, among others.
The resolution was reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos, where the committee reviewed 55 proposals for state creation nationwide. Chaired by Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker of the House Benjamin Kalu, the committee emphasized the need for fairness and equity in state distribution.
Kalu argued that a new state would foster a sense of belonging among the people of the South-East. The committee also established a sub-committee to consider proposals for additional states and local government areas across all six geopolitical zones.
Senator Abdul Ningi moved the motion for the new state, which received unanimous support from committee members. Jibrin highlighted the importance of rallying support among colleagues to ensure the resolutions pass during voting.
The committee’s actions reflect an effort to strengthen national unity and ensure equitable representation across Nigeria’s regions.
