The Nigerian House of Representatives has advanced four bills aimed at creating new states across the country. These bills successfully passed the second reading during a plenary session held on Wednesday.
The proposed states include Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti. Each of these states is expected to be carved out from existing ones, pending further legislative approval. The bills are part of a broader constitutional amendment process currently being undertaken by the 10th Assembly.
In addition to the state creation bills, the House also passed 38 other bills focused on amending the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The legislative session, led by House Leader Rep. Julius Ihonvbere and seconded by House Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda, saw lawmakers deliberating on various proposed changes to the nation’s constitution.
The bill seeking the creation of Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa states was sponsored by Rep. Oluwole Oke. Another bill, sponsored by Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani, aims to establish Tiga State from present-day Kano State, with its headquarters in Rano.
In the South-East region, Rep. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere sponsored a bill proposing the creation of Orlu State, while Rep. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi put forward a bill seeking to establish Etiti State, with Okigwe as its capital. These proposals are intended to address calls for greater representation and administrative efficiency in the region.
Following the second reading, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, conducted a voice vote. The bills were passed and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review, which Kalu also heads.
