Full List: Seven Proposed New States in 2024 You Should Know

Since the restoration of democracy in 1999, there has been continual constitutional amendment efforts, but the current tenth assembly alongside President Tinubu’s administration is taking significant strides. Among the government’s ambitious projects are the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway and promoting local government autonomy. Should these initiatives be accomplished within Tinubu’s first term, they would mark significant milestones, comparable to reforms last seen during military governance.

Currently, seven new states have been proposed in the National Assembly, by both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Here’s a breakdown of these states:

1. Oke-Ogun State: Slated to be carved out from the current Oyo State, Oke-Ogun would encompass 12 local government areas including Olorunsogo, Irepo, Oorerelope, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Saki-East, Saki-West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, and Iseyin. This proposal is spearheaded by Honourable Oluwole Oke, who chairs the House Committee on the Judiciary.

2. Ijebu State: Also proposed by Honourable Oke, Ijebu State would be formed from parts of the existing Ogun State, incorporating nine local government areas: Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, Sagamu, and parts of Abeokuta. This state would be located in southwestern Nigeria, rich in cultural heritage and economic significance.

3. Ife-Ijesha State: Proposed to be segmented from Osun State, Ife-Ijesha would include nine local government areas: Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Boluwaduro, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, and Ilesa West.

4. Adada State: With initial motions already passed in the Senate, Adada aims to split from the Enugu North senatorial district. It would include six local government areas: Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Udenu, Nsukka, Igga, and Uzo-Uwani, with Nsukka proposed as the capital.

5. Etiti State: The proposal for Etiti State aims to carve out territory from all five southeastern states—Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Abia, and Imo. This bill has already had its first reading in the House, backed by five lawmakers including Miriam Onuoha and Chinwe Nnabuife.

6. Orlu State: This state would be one of the larger new entities with 28 local government areas proposed.

7. Anioma State: Planned to include nine local government areas, further contributing to the regional diversity of Nigeria.

These proposed states represent a significant reshaping of Nigeria’s political landscape, aiming to improve local governance and bring administration closer to the people.