In a groundbreaking move, the Nigerian Senate approved the creation of twelve new states on Thursday, 18th July, 2025, which was distributed evenly across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
This legislative action follows the final adoption of the Senate Committee on State Creation’s report during the third reading in the Upper Chamber.
Lawmakers emphasized that the decision aims to promote equity, enhance political representation, and strengthen grassroots governance throughout Nigeria.
The newly proposed states include Ijebu (from Ogun) and Ibadan (from Oyo) in the South‑West; Anim (from Anambra & Imo) and Adada (from Enugu) in the South‑East; Toru‑Ibe (covering parts of Ondo, Edo & Delta) and Obolo (from Akwa Ibom) in the South‑South; Savanna (from Borno) and Amana (from Adamawa) in the North‑East; Tiga (from Kano) and Gurara (from Southern Kaduna) in the North‑West; and Okura (from Kogi) and Apa (from Benue) in the North‑Central
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, lauded his colleagues for the initiative, describing it as “a courageous and unifying decision,” aimed at addressing persistent imbalances in states
Proponents argue that this restructuring will bring government closer to underserved communities and accelerate rural development. The approval marks the culmination of extensive nationwide consultations, public hearings, and submissions from a wide range of stakeholders, including state governments, traditional authorities, and civil society groups.
However, caution that existing states have yet to fully realize their potential, raising concerns that the additional administrative overhead may strain national resources without guaranteed benefits.
Next steps involve the publication of an official gazette outlining the administrative frameworks for the new states, followed by judicial and constitutional scrutiny, including provisions for state-level referenda as required by Nigeria’s foundational law.
Implemented, this landmark decision could lead to Nigeria expanding its federal structure from 36 to 48 states, representing a historic shift in the nation’s governance architecture.
