Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has strongly criticized the proposal to create 31 additional states in Nigeria, describing it as an ironic and comical move by politicians seeking to carve out personal territories.
The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee recently put forward the proposal, which was read during Thursday’s plenary session by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
If approved, this would increase Nigeria’s number of states from 36 to 67, a drastic expansion that has sparked heated debate.
Reacting to the development in a post on his X page on Friday, Sani dismissed the plan as unrealistic and unnecessary, arguing that many existing states are already struggling financially and rely heavily on federal allocations to survive.
He wrote, “While many states are dependent on federal allocation for their survival, the House of Representatives’ proposal for 31 states is ironic and comical. Politicians just want to carve out mini colonies for themselves.”
The proposed states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; Muri from Taraba; New Kaduna and Gurara from Kaduna; Tiga and Ari from Kano; and Kainji from Kebbi.
The South-East could see the creation of Etiti, Orashi, Adada, Orlu, and Aba, while the South-South may get Ogoja from Cross River, Warri from Delta, Ori and Obolo from Rivers.
The South-West proposal includes Torumbe from Ondo, Ibadan from Oyo, Lagoon from Lagos, Ijebu from Ogun, and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo/Ogun/Osun.
Critics argue that the creation of new states would place an even greater burden on Nigeria’s already stretched resources, especially as many states struggle with poor infrastructure, unpaid salaries, and economic instability.
While some proponents believe the move could bring governance closer to the people and address ethnic and regional concerns, Sani and other skeptics see it as a political strategy rather than a necessity.
As the debate over the proposal intensifies, all eyes are on the National Assembly, where the plan will undergo further scrutiny before any constitutional amendments can be made.