Instead of creating new states, Nigeria should implement workable federalism. This would empower federating units to drive socio-economic development through healthy competition. True federalism could solve many challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. It would also foster mutual trust and patriotism by motivating units to make significant strides and partner with others to boost production.
The National Assembly is considering creating new states as part of the 1999 Constitution review. Proposals for new states, such as Orlu, Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa, are pending. Nigerians must choose between true national development and creating non-viable states that depend on federal allocations and serve selfish politicians.
Currently, Nigeria has 36 states unevenly distributed among six geo-political zones. The South-South, South-West, North-Central, and North-East each have six states. The North-West has seven states, while the South-East has five.
Since 1963, state creation in Nigeria has primarily occurred through military regimes. The first state creation was in 1967 under Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who dissolved four regions and created 12 states. Gen. Murtala Mohammed created seven more states in 1976. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida added two states in 1987 and nine more in 1991. Gen. Sani Abacha created additional states in 1996, bringing the total to 36, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The push for new states stems from political, economic, and socio-cultural factors. Creating new states can give identity and a sense of belonging to minorities and marginalized areas, fostering nationalism. Some ethnic groups feel marginalized and believe that new states would ensure better representation and fairer distribution of political power and wealth.
However, Nigeria’s federal system centralizes financial control, leading to perceived dominance by leaders from specific regions. This centralization has fueled the demand for more states and local government areas, especially in southern Nigeria.
True federalism would balance power and resources more equitably. It would address the imbalances that favor the northern region over the southern regions. Implementing true federalism would enable local governments to be more responsive to the needs of their regions. This approach would lead to sustainable national development rather than creating states that add little value.
The debate on state creation versus true federalism is critical for Nigeria’s future. Implementing true federalism could solve many of the country’s challenges by empowering federating units to drive development and fostering national unity. Nigeria must prioritize workable federalism to achieve sustainable growth and equitable resource distribution.
