The joint committee of the National Assembly on Constitutional Review recommended the creation of a new state in Nigeria. Lawmakers reached the decision after two days of intense deliberation in Lagos.
They reviewed multiple demands for new states across different regions. The proposal supports the creation of a new state in the South-East zone. It aims to correct long-standing regional imbalance in the federation.
National Assembly
Although the approval remains incomplete, the committee’s move marks a major step in the process. Lawmakers agreed that the South-East deserves another state for fairness and better representation. They plan to present the recommendation to both chambers soon.
If both chambers adopt the proposal, the process will move through several constitutional stages. Lawmakers must secure a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. They must also gain approval from two-thirds of State Assemblies and presidential assent. These steps show how demanding the process is.
The committee has yet to finalize the name and boundaries of the new state. Members will consult stakeholders and conduct mapping exercises before completing the report. Regional leaders from the South-East welcomed the plan and called it long overdue. They said the creation of a new state will promote fairness and development.
What this means
If the National Assembly eventually approves it, Nigeria will have 37 states instead of 36. This decision will mark the first successful state creation since 1996. The National Assembly’s move signals renewed interest in restructuring and national balance. As the process unfolds, Nigerians eagerly watch the journey toward the long-awaited creation of a new state.
Public ReactionsÂ
The news about the National Assembly’s move toward the creation of a new state has sparked reactions nationwide. Many citizens from the South-East celebrated the development, describing it as a long-overdue step toward fairness and inclusion. They believe the creation of a new state will bring development closer to marginalized areas and ensure equal political representation.
