List of New Countries that Agitators Are Calling to Be Created from Current Nigeria
- Nigeria’s unity continues to face pressure from regional movements calling for the creation of new countries
- From Biafra to Oduduwa, agitators across the country have revived secessionist demands rooted in historical grievances and ethnic identity
- This report explores the proposed nations these groups seek to carve out from the current Nigerian federation
In recent decades, Nigeria has witnessed a resurgence of secessionist agitations across its diverse regions.
These calls, often rooted in historical grievances, ethnic identity, and perceived marginalisation, have led to the emergence of movements advocating for the creation of new countries from Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
While none of these calls have materialised into internationally recognised nations, they continue to shape political discourse.
Below is an in-depth look at the most prominent proposed breakaway nations from Nigeria, based on the demands of various agitator groups.
1. Biafra Republic
The call for the creation of the Biafra Republic has remained the most persistent and vocal in Nigeria’s post-independence history.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been at the forefront of this agitation. IPOB emerged reviving the spirit of the original Biafra secession attempt of 1967, which led to a civil war that lasted until 1970.
IPOB has consistently argued that the Igbo people of the South-East have been politically and economically marginalised since the end of the war.
Through various means, the group has sought to draw attention to its cause, despite being proscribed by the Nigerian government.
Another group, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has also championed the Biafran cause.
2. Oduduwa Republic
The Oduduwa Republic is a proposed nation championed by Yoruba self-determination groups, most notably Ilana Omo Oodua.
The movement has gained traction with proponents citing systemic marginalisation, insecurity, and a desire for regional autonomy as key motivations.
Leaders of the movement have called for a referendum to determine the will of the Yoruba people regarding secession. While the agitation has not escalated into armed conflict, it has sparked national debate.
3. Niger Delta Republic
In the oil-rich South-South region, calls for the creation of a Niger Delta Republic have been tied to long-standing grievances over environmental degradation, poverty, and lack of development.
Groups have demanded greater control over the region’s vast oil resources.
While the primary demand has often been for resource control and regional autonomy, some factions have gone further to suggest full independence as a solution to what they describe as systemic neglect by the federal government.
4. Arewa Republic
Although less structured than other movements, some northern groups have floated the idea of an Arewa Republic. In 2017, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum issued a controversial ultimatum for Igbos to leave the North, sparking fears of ethnic tensions and reigniting debates about national unity.
While northern leaders distanced themselves and fully condemned the statement, it reflected underlying frustrations among some northern youths. The idea of an Arewa Republic has since lingered in fringe discourse, often surfacing during periods of political tension.
Source: Getty Images
New states that scaled second reading at National Assembly
Legit.ng earlier reported that Several bills proposing the creation of new states in Nigeria have successfully passed the second reading at the House of Representatives.
These developments have signalled growing momentum for constitutional amendments aimed at restructuring the geopolitical landscape. While the bills have cleared second reading, they must still undergo further scrutiny and approval before any new states can be officially created.
Here is a comprehensive listicle detailing each proposed state, the sponsoring lawmakers, and all geopolitical regions affected.
Source: Legit.ng
