Nigeria's push for more states hits constitutional roadblocks

Nigeria's quest for new states continues to face formidable constitutional barriers, despite decades of expansion driven by military rule. Since its independence 63 years ago, the nation's subnational structure has ballooned from four regions to 36 states, a transformation largely orchestrated through military decrees that bypassed democratic consensus-building. The last instance of a civilian government successfully creating a new region was the Midwest Region in 1963.

Successive military leaders, with the exception of a few, utilized their authority to create states, often in response to popular agitations fueled by fears of political marginalization and economic domination. These decisions, frequently made via military fiat, circumvented the complex constitutional procedures required for such fundamental restructuring, leading to lingering issues regarding boundaries and capital locations, and sometimes allegations of favoritism.

Twenty-seven years into democratic rule, the demand for more states remains strong. The South-east geopolitical zone, currently with five states, is particularly vocal in its call for an additional state to match the six states present in most other zones. Similar demands echo across the country. A 2014 National Conference recommended creating 18 new states, but these proposals, like others, have stalled.

Efforts to create states through constitutional amendments in the current 10th National Assembly are proving increasingly difficult. Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu noted in February 2025 that out of 31 requests, none have met the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution. This procedural complexity suggests that Nigeria's subnational map is unlikely to change through democratic means in the near future.

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Although we have received 31 requests for state creation, none has met the constitutional requirements for amendment.