Civil society organizations (CSOs) have criticized the National Assembly’s (NASS) push to create 10 additional states in Nigeria, describing the move as unnecessary and counterproductive. They argue that many existing states are economically unviable and underdeveloped, and urge lawmakers and the executive to prioritize good governance and local government autonomy instead,leadership reports.
This stance comes amidst a wave of legislative bills aimed at state creation, including proposals for Coastal State from Ondo State, sponsored by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, and Tiga State from Kano State, introduced by Senator Kawu Suleiman Abdurrahman. Other proposed states include Adada (Enugu North), Anioma (Delta North), Etiti (South-East), Okura (Kogi), Orlu (Imo), Oke-Ogun (Oyo), and others. These bills, at various stages of legislative review, seek constitutional amendments to pave the way for new states.
The process for creating new states, outlined in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, involves rigorous requirements, including two-thirds approval from lawmakers, local government councils, and affected populations, as well as a national referendum. Despite these hurdles, proponents argue that new states would promote balanced development and better governance. For instance, Hon. Amobi Ogah, sponsor of the Etiti State bill, described it as a step toward fairness and regional development.
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However, CSOs and analysts remain skeptical. Auwal Ibrahim Musa-Rafsanjani, executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), criticized the lack of economic blueprints for proposed states. He accused state politicians of seeking state creation as a means to divert public resources without accountability, noting that many existing states struggle with poor infrastructure, underdeveloped industries, and inadequate social services.
Samson Itodo, executive director of Yiaga Africa, emphasized the importance of addressing the economic viability of existing states before considering new ones. He suggested that instead of creating more states, efforts should focus on decentralization, strengthening local governments, and addressing regional imbalances, such as the Southeast’s lower number of states.
Bishir Sabuwar of the Citizens Participation Against Corruption Initiative echoed these concerns, stating that state creation is not the solution to Nigeria’s challenges. Similarly, poet and social commentator Chiedu Okoye argued that creating new states would increase the cost of governance and provide avenues for corruption, as state governors are often accused of mismanaging resources meant for local governments.
Critics contend that the push for new states reflects the personal ambitions of politicians rather than a genuine desire for national development. They urge leaders to prioritize initiatives that improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic sustainability over creating additional administrative units.
