Rethinking state creation

August 1, 2025 by Our Reporter

• By Samuel Orovwuje

Sir: The agitation for the creation of new states in Nigeria has resurfaced with renewed vigour as the 10th National Assembly considers fresh proposals to expand the current 36-state structure. This longstanding discourse is deeply rooted in Nigeria’s quest for equitable representation, resource allocation, and socio-political inclusion. However, while state creation is often touted as a panacea for marginalization, the critical issue of economic viability and administrative sustainability continues to be side-lined in the national conversation.

Curiously, the 10th National Assembly has received over 30 requests for new states. These proposals reflect diverse aspirations from ethnic identity, administrative convenience, and local development. However, the primary argument from proponents revolves around addressing perceived marginalization and ensuring better governance closer to the people.

While political representation and the territorial dimension of the state is a legitimate demand, state creation must transcend emotional and ethnic sentiments. Economic viability remains a cardinal factor. Many existing states struggle with basic obligations like salary payments and infrastructure development due to limited internally generated revenue (IGR). Creating additional states without concrete plans for economic self-reliance would further stretch federal resources.

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It is, therefore, imperative that any proposal for state creation undergoes rigorous feasibility studies through evaluating resource endowments, human capital, infrastructural readiness, and economic sustainability plans. Without this, new states risk becoming administrative burdens rather than catalysts for grassroots development.

In the midst of the state creation debate, a growing segment of Nigerians advocate for regional autonomy as a more pragmatic solution. This model proposes restructuring Nigeria into six geopolitical zones with devolved powers over resource control, internal security, and economic planning.

Regional autonomy aligns with the principles of true federalism, enabling regions to harness their unique comparative advantages while reducing the over-centralization of power at the federal level. It also promotes healthy competition among regions, fostering innovation, accountability, and efficient governance.

Proponents argue that instead of fragmenting into smaller economically unviable units, Nigeria should strengthen regional governance structures, encouraging cooperative development projects, regional infrastructure, and security arrangements tailored to local realities.

While state creation remains a powerful tool for addressing local grievances, Nigeria must pivot towards a more holistic approach that emphasizes economic viability, regional autonomy, and constitutional reform. Creating states without a blueprint for economic sustainability will only exacerbate the existing challenges of governance inefficiency and fiscal dependency.

•Samuel Orovwuje,

Lagos