Year-in-Review: 7 Proposed States That Scaled Second Reading in 2025
- Nigerian lawmakers spent much of 2025 debating proposals for new states, with several bills gaining traction in the National Assembly
- Out of 31 submissions, seven successfully scaled second reading, signalling momentum for potential constitutional restructuring
- The latest developments reflected growing demands for fairness, equity, and stronger regional representation across the country
In 2025, Legit.ng reported extensively on the push by Nigerian lawmakers to create new states.
The year was marked by heated debates, constitutional review sessions, and growing momentum for restructuring Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape.
Source: Twitter
31 new Nigerian states submitted in 2025
In February 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review received proposals recommending the creation of 31 additional states across Nigeria.
The announcement was made during a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, with the committee outlining the proposals in a letter read to lawmakers.
The committee, led by Kalu, explained that the move was aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and fostering regional representation.
7 proposed states that scaled second reading
In October 2025, Legit.ng listed all seven proposed new states in Nigeria that had successfully passed the second reading at the House of Representatives.
It was reported that these developments signalled growing momentum for constitutional amendments aimed at restructuring the geopolitical landscape.
Here are the 7 states below:
Ibadan State
On October 9, 2025, The Cable reported that a bill seeking to create Ibadan State from Oyo State had passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The legislation was sponsored by Abass Adigun, representing the Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East federal constituency.
The bill aimed to amend the 1999 Constitution to facilitate the new state and was debated during plenary, receiving sufficient support to move forward.
Ijebu State
On October 23, 2025, Vanguard confirmed that lawmakers passed for the second reading a bill proposing the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun State.
The legislation was sponsored by Olufemi Ogunbanwo, representing Ijebu Ode/Ijebu North East/Odogbolu Federal Constituency, alongside three other lawmakers.
Proponents argued that the Ijebu region deserved its own statehood due to its historical and economic significance.
Oke-Ogun, Ife-Ijesa, and Ijebu States
In March 2025, Daily Trust reported that four bills seeking the creation of additional states passed second reading.
Among them was a consolidated bill sponsored by Oluwole Oke, proposing three new states: Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa.
This multi-state bill reflected growing calls for decentralisation in the South-West, with lawmakers emphasising the need for stronger regional representation.
Tiga State
Daily Trust also reported on HB.1308, sponsored by Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani, which sought to create Tiga State from Kano State, with Rano proposed as the capital.
The bill’s advancement to second reading highlighted demands for administrative restructuring in the North-West, where population density and diversity have fuelled calls for more localised governance.
Orlu State
Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere sponsored HB.1430, a bill proposing the creation of Orlu State in the South-East.
According to Daily Trust, the bill passed second reading in March 2025.
The proposed Orlu State would be carved from existing territories in the region, aiming to address long-standing concerns over political marginalisation and resource allocation.
Etiti State
Another South-East initiative was sponsored by George Ibezimako Ozodinobi.
The bill proposed the creation of Etiti State, with Okigwe designated as its capital.
Daily Trust reported that the bill passed second reading in March 2025.
The legislation sought to carve the new state from the existing five states in the South-East, reflecting a push to enhance administrative efficiency and regional development.
Source: Twitter
Approved new state in Nigeria's South-East
In October 2025, Legit.ng reported that the Senate and House of Representatives’ joint committee on constitutional review unanimously approved the creation of a new state in the South-East.
The decision was reached at a two-day retreat in Lagos, where proposals for 55 new states were reviewed. Deputy Speaker Kalu reiterated that the demand was based on 'justice, fairness and equity'.
The year 2025 witnessed significant progress in Nigeria’s state creation debate.
With seven proposed states scaling second reading and one new state approved for the South-East, lawmakers signalled a strong push towards constitutional restructuring.
Senator Ned shares map of Anioma State
Legit.ng earlier reported that Senator Ned Nwoko had reignited calls for the creation of Anioma State, a demand rooted in the aspirations of the people in northern Delta State.
At the time, the senator reposted a message on X titled Let Anioma State Be, written by Sylvester Monye, which outlines the historical and cultural significance of the movement.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
