The push to create new states in Nigeria has gained fresh momentum. At the House of Representatives, several bills seeking to carve out new states from current ones have scaled second reading meaning they have passed a major early hurdle in the law-making process.
These bills represent far more than just redrawing maps: they reflect long-standing demands for better representation, closer government, and different regional identities.
Here is a full list of those proposed new states that have cleared second reading along with details on the sponsoring lawmakers, the existing states involved, and what the proponents say.
Ibadan State (from Oyo State)
On 9 October 2025, a bill aiming to create Ibadan State from part of Oyo State passed second reading in the House.
The sponsoring lawmaker was Abass Adigun (representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East federal constituency).
The legislation seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to facilitate the creation of a new state.
The discussion noted that the bill received sufficient support in plenary to move ahead.
Why it matters – The Ibadan region is large, historically central in Oyo, and the push for its own state reflects desires for more localised governance, infrastructure focus, and distinct administrative identity.
Ijebu State (from Ogun State)
On 23 October 2025, a bill proposing the creation of Ijebu State out of Ogun State passed its second reading.
The legislation was sponsored by Olufemi Ogunbanwo (representing Ijebu Ode/Ijebu North East/Odogbolu federal constituency) together with three other lawmakers.
The bill reflects a strong demand in the South-West region for more administrative decentralisation.
Supporters argue Ijebu region holds historical and economic significance warranting its separate statehood.
Why it matters – The south-western push for Ijebu State signals the desire among parts of Nigeria for more self-governance, highlighting how current state boundaries are being questioned.
Oke-Ogun State, Ife-Ijesa State and Ijebu State (multi-state bill)
In March 2025, a consolidated bill sponsored by Oluwole Oke proposed the creation of three new states: Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa.
This bill aimed to amend Part 1 of the First Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.
The inclusion of Ijebu in this multi-state bundle reaffirmed its legislative traction; Oke-Ogun and Ife-Ijesa emerged as fresh contenders.
Why it matters – A multi-state bill highlights that this is not just isolated cases, but part of a broader movement to reconsider many state boundaries across regions particularly in the South-West.
Tiga State (from Kano State)
Another bill, HB.1308, sponsored by Ghali Mustapha Tijani, proposed the creation of Tiga State from Kano State, with the proposed capital being Rano.
This bill also passed second reading, and perhaps more importantly, shows that the state-creation conversation is active in the North-West region too.
The large size and diversity of Kano State make such proposals resonate with local calls for closer governance and easier administrative reach.
Why it matters – It underscores that new state creation isn’t only a southern issue. The North-West, with its population and administrative challenges, is also seeking change.
Orlu State (South-East)
In the South-East, a bill sponsored by Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere (HB.1430) proposed the creation of Orlu State.
This bill, reported in March 2025, passed second reading and would carve out parts of existing states in the South-East region to form the new state.
Proponents argue that the region needs increased autonomy, better resource allocation, and less marginalisation.
Why it matters – The South-East has long argued that its political and economic concerns are under-represented, the Orlu State bill is a signal that those demands are being addressed through formal legislative means.
Etiti State (South-East)
Also in the South-East, a proposal by George Ibezimako Ozodinobi seeks the creation of Etiti State, with Okigwe as its proposed capital.
This bill passed its second reading in March 2025 as well.
The idea is to slice part of the region’s existing states to form a new entity, improving administrative efficiency and local governance.
Why it matters – Etiti State is another example of how regional demands for representation, resource-focus, and identity are being expressed through state creation bills.
What comes next and why this matters
Passing second reading is only an early step in the constitutional process of creating new states. These bills must still go through further readings, committees, state assemblies, perhaps a referendum, and constitutional amendment processes.
The significance of these proposals is wide:
They could reshape Nigeria’s geopolitical map, affecting governance, budgets, infrastructures, and local identities.
They reflect growing demand across regions for closer, more responsive government rather than broad state structures that may be too large to manage effectively.
They highlight regional pressures: for example, the South-East argues it lags representation; the North-West argues its large states are unwieldy; the South-West is emphasising identity and economic strength.
That said, there are strong considerations: cost of creating new states, the feasibility of running them, the need for national consensus, and ensuring the process is fair.
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