Introduction
The current House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review move to create 31 new states in Nigeria has sparked overall controversy. While some view it as a step towards equal administration, others, including activist lawyer Madubuachi Idam, affirm that regionalization, not state creation, is the solution to Nigeria's development challenges.
This article explores the economic, political, and security implications of creating more states and why regionalization might be a better alternative.
Nigeria's Proposal to Create 31 New States
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review recently got proposals to create 31 new states. The proposal, if passed, would raise Nigeria's number of states to 67 from 36 currently—more than the United States' 50 states.
Here is a breakdown of the proposed states:
Proposed New States in Nigeria (2024)
North-Central
- Benue Ala
- Okun
- Okura
- Confluence
- Aba
- Adada
North-East
- Amana
- Savannah
- Gongola
- Katagum
North-West
- Hadejia
- Ghari
- Tiga
- Karadua
- Bayajida
South-East
- Aba
- Adada
- Etiti
- Orashi
- Njaba
South-South
- Oil River
- Warri
- Ogoja
- Ibom
South-West
- Ijebu
- Ibadan
- Oke-Ogun
- New Oyo
- Lagoon
- Ose
- Oduduwa
Source: Legit.ng - Full List of Proposed 31 New Nigerian States
Madubuachi Idam's Argument: Why Regionalization is Preferable to State Creation
Activist lawyer Madubuachi Idam has vehemently criticized the creation of more states, claiming that the process will turn into a "business center for politicians" and fail to improve governance.
In his latest publication, he explained three primary reasons regionalization is better than state creation:
1. Economic Consequences
Idam warns that further states creation will:
- Increase government spending on pay, infrastructure, and administration.
- Worsen inflation by placing more fiscal stress on the economy.
- Make the country more reliant on federal allocations, considering that most Nigerian states lack fiscal independence.
Alternative: Regionalization allows states to control their own resources independently, not as much on the central government.
2. Political and Social Tensions
- New state creations have the tendency to result in boundary conflicts, ethnic tensions, and political instability.
- Nigeria has experienced violent clashes in the past due to state creation disputes.
Alternative: Regional competition need not increase political tension.
3. Security Matters
- More states mean more governors, legislators, and security apparatus, leading to bureaucratic inefficiency.
- The states that already exist have not adequately resolved insecurity—having more might make it worse.
Alternative: Regional administration and policing can facilitate better security measures appropriate for the needs of every region.
The Case for Regionalization in Nigeria
What is Regionalization?
Regionalization is to divide Nigeria into six autonomous regions rather than increase the number of states.
Benefits of Regionalization
✔ Fosters economic competition among the regions
✔ Reduces government bureaucratic spending on administrative expenses
✔ Autonomizes regional governance and regional-level decision-making
✔ Enhances security as the regions can independently deal with their own matters
✔ Less ethnic and political conflict
Example: The 1963 Nigerian Constitution embraced a regional system, which allowed for greater economic productivity before the country shifted to a state-based system.
Economic and Political Experts Weigh In
According to political analyst Dr. Abubakar Aliyu, Nigeria's current 36-state structure is too costly already. "We are struggling to pay salaries, and we are contemplating creating additional states. The solution is not to increase them, but to make states productive," he averred.
Economist Prof. Funmi Adeyemi also added that regional economies would develop faster. "Instead of creating new states that will rely on federal allocation, let regions develop their economies like Lagos has done," she said.
What the Nigerian Constitution Says About State Creation
Under Section 8 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, the creation of a new state involves:
✅ Two-thirds endorsement of the National Assembly
✅ Referendum in the affected region
✅ Two-thirds endorsement by state legislatures
The process is so complex that state creation is very hard. It is contended by experts that constitutional reform should aim at regional autonomy instead.
Public Opinion: What Nigerians Are Saying
Twitter Poll Results:
A survey on social media a week ago asked if Nigerians favor state creation or regionalization.
- 25% to create more states
- 75% for regionalization
User reactions:
- @Ade_Olaoluwa: "More states = more corruption. Let's regionalize and move forward."
- @Fatima_Kano: "I am for regionalization. It worked in the 1960s, and it can work again now."
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Nigeria's Future
The state creation vs. regionalization debate highlights the leadership challenges in Nigeria. Although creating new states will increase representation, it will also increase economic and political tensions.
Madubuachi Idam and others advocate for regionalization as a more realistic solution to Nigeria's problems. Regionalization, if applied, could:
✅ Increase economic competition
✅ Reduce dependence on federal funds
✅ Enhance local governance and security
The Nigerian government must carefully consider all of these matters before making any decision. The future of Nigeria rests with a system of governance in which development is more emphasized than political interests.
External Links for Further Reading:
- Nigeria Considers 31 New States – Legit.ng
- Constitutional Review on State Creation – Tribune Online
- Madubuachi Idam's Advocacy for Regionalization – Daily Post
Final Thoughts: What's Your Opinion?
Are you in favor of creating more states or regionalizing Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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