What Must Happen Before Any New State Can Be Created, Senate Explains
- The Senate has confirmed receiving 61 formal requests for the creation of new states across Nigeria
- Lawmakers say all proposals will undergo strict scrutiny by the Constitutional Review Committee and be subjected to public hearings
- The National Assembly insists that final recommendations will reflect national interest and collective public input, not sectional bias
The Senate has announced that all proposals for the creation of new states will undergo a rigorous review process before any recommendation or approval is made. Lawmakers say the approach will be guided by national interest, transparency, and adherence to due process.
Senate spokesperson and Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, revealed that the National Assembly has so far received no fewer than 61 formal requests from across the six geopolitical zones.
Source: UGC
Adaramodu explains process state creation will pass
Speaking in Ilawe-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Adaramodu said the proposals were submitted during various engagements with constituents, the Nigerian Tribune reported.
According to him, the process will begin with the Constitutional Review Committee, led by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, which will compile, assess, and filter the requests. The committee’s report will then be presented to the Senate.
Adaramodu explained that the Senate and House of Representatives will hold joint public hearings to allow all stakeholders, including those opposed to state creation, to present their positions. Only after these sessions will a decision be made on which requests merit further action.
“State creation is a serious matter that involves careful auditing of demographic, geographic, and historical data. In some cases, even within the requesting states, there is no total agreement. All these realities must be considered before any recommendation,” he said.
The senator added that, at present, no state has been shortlisted for creation. He maintained that it would be premature to predict the outcome before the public hearings and the collation of final reports.
Nigerians invited to contribute to debate
Adaramodu also noted that constitutional amendments, whether to create new states or introduce other reforms, must reflect the will of Nigerians as a whole.
Source: Twitter
He assured that the legislature would guard against decisions based on personal or sectional interests.
“The National Assembly exists to make laws and to oversee constitutional reviews or replacements. Every Nigerian, whether at home or abroad, will have the opportunity to contribute to the process,” he said.
He encouraged elders, traditional rulers, professionals, political leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, and women’s associations to prepare to participate in the hearings.
According to him, the ultimate goal is to ensure that any changes to the constitution—whether through amendments or a complete overhaul—will serve the best interests of the nation and its citizens
All proposed 31 new Nigerian states
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review had received proposals for the creation of 31 new states across Nigeria to improve regional representation.
If approved, the restructuring would increase Nigeria’s states from 36 to 67, surpassing the United States' 50-state system.
While supporters believe this will enhance governance and resource distribution, critics warn of increased administrative costs and constitutional hurdles.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
