South-East Breaks the Barrier: National Assembly Approves Creation of a New State

For years, the people of Nigeria’s South-East have called out for fairness, and it seems that call has finally echoed through the chambers of the National Assembly. In a groundbreaking move, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has unanimously approved the creation of an additional state in the South-East geopolitical zone.

This historic decision, reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos, could finally place the region on equal footing with others across the country. Currently, the South-East is made up of five states, one short compared to the six or seven states found in most other zones. But if all goes according to plan, that imbalance will soon be history.

For decades, the cry for fairness and representation from the South-East has been a recurring national conversation. The argument has always been simple: how can Nigeria claim to operate on principles of federal balance when one of its six zones has fewer states than the rest? It’s a question that has often been met with sympathy but little action, until now.

At the retreat chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, lawmakers took a bold step. After reviewing 55 separate proposals for state creation across the country, the committee agreed unanimously that the South-East’s case was long overdue. Benjamin Kalu, who has been one of the loudest voices championing this cause, emphasized that the decision is rooted in equity, justice, and fairness, values that the Nigerian Constitution itself upholds. “This is not about politics; it’s about fairness,” Kalu reaffirmed during the deliberations. “Every region should have equal representation and access to development opportunities.”

In a political climate often divided by party lines and regional interests, the unanimous decision to approve a new state in the South-East was nothing short of remarkable. Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) took the initiative by moving the motion for the new state’s creation, while Ibrahim Isiaka (Ifo/Ewekoro, Ogun State) quickly seconded it. What followed was a rare moment of unity, lawmakers from different zones and political affiliations speaking with one voice. The motion was adopted without opposition, reflecting a collective understanding that Nigeria’s unity thrives only when every region feels equally valued.

The South-East’s success could be the beginning of a broader restructuring across Nigeria. Alongside the new state approval, the joint committee also announced the establishment of a sub-committee to further explore the creation of additional states and local government areas nationwide.

In total, 278 proposals were submitted for review, a clear sign that Nigerians across all regions are pushing for administrative expansion to foster inclusion, governance, and development. Senator Barau Jibrin emphasized the importance of collaboration as the process moves forward: “We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process. By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders, from both chambers and the State Houses of Assembly.”

That “buy-in” will be crucial, as constitutional amendments require not only approval from the National Assembly but also endorsement from at least 24 out of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly.

What This Means for the South-East

The potential creation of a sixth state in the South-East is more than just a matter of geography, it’s about recognition, representation, and empowerment.

1. Political Balance: With six states, the South-East would have equal representation in the Senate, aligning with other regions and strengthening its voice in national policymaking.
2. Economic Growth: A new state means new administrative structures, job opportunities, and developmental projects, a boost to the region’s economic vibrancy.
3. Social Inclusion: Beyond politics and economics, this move would restore a sense of belonging and fairness among the people of the South-East, who have long felt marginalized in Nigeria’s federal structure.

It also signals to Nigerians everywhere that persistent advocacy, when grounded in reason and justice, can yield tangible results.

Of course, approval by the Joint Committee is only the first step. The process now moves to the full National Assembly for voting, followed by consideration at the state level. If it passes these stages, Nigeria will officially welcome a 37th state, and the South-East will finally have six. The journey ahead is complex, but the momentum is undeniable. The political will demonstrated at the Lagos retreat has already reshaped conversations around Nigeria’s constitutional future. For now, all eyes will be on Abuja as lawmakers prepare to translate committee approval into national reality.

In many ways, this moment marks a historic turning point for Nigeria’s democratic evolution. The creation of a new state in the South-East isn’t just about redrawing boundaries, it’s about redressing a long-standing imbalance and reaffirming the country’s commitment to fairness. If successfully implemented, it could restore confidence in Nigeria’s unity project and serve as a blueprint for addressing regional disparities elsewhere.

For a country as diverse and complex as Nigeria, moments of consensus like this are rare, and when they happen, they deserve to be celebrated. The South-East may have waited long for this justice, but as this week’s development shows, patience and persistence can indeed move mountains.

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