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The South East geopolitical zone is set to gain a sixth state after the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review unanimously approved the creation of an additional state in the region.
The decision was reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos, where lawmakers reviewed 55 proposals for new states across Nigeria. The South East currently has five states, the fewest among the six geopolitical zones.
The session was chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who has long advocated for balancing the region’s representation. Kalu described the move as a matter of equity, justice, and fairness, saying it would give the South East a fairer voice in national affairs.
A motion for the state’s creation, moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka (Ogun State), received unanimous backing from the committee.
Alongside the approval, the committee endorsed independent candidacy in future elections and proposed additional seats for women in both chambers of the National Assembly to promote inclusiveness and gender balance.
A subcommittee was also established to review 278 proposals for the creation of more states and local government areas nationwide.
Senator Jibrin urged lawmakers to build consensus among colleagues and state assemblies to ensure the resolution passes during plenary voting.
Reacting to the development, Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) welcomed the decision, describing it as a “right step towards equity and justice” that would help reduce agitations over marginalisation.
He added that stakeholders in the region would soon decide the location of the new state, stressing that unity and collective interest should guide the choice
