In a historic move, the Nigerian Senate has approved the creation of 12 new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones, marking the most significant state restructuring since 1996.
The decision followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on State Creation, which passed its third and final reading on the Senate floor on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
According to the committee, the new states were proposed after extensive nationwide consultations, public hearings, and submissions from state governments, traditional leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.
The newly approved states are as follows:
South West:
- Ijebu State – Carved out of Ogun State
- Ibadan State – Carved out of Oyo State
South East:
- Anim State—From parts of Anambra and Imo States
- Adada State—From Enugu State
South South:
- Toru-Ibe State – From parts of Ondo, Edo, and Delta States
- Obolo State – From Akwa Ibom State
North East:
- Savanna State – From Borno State
- Amana State – From Adamawa State
North West:
- Tiga State – From Kano State
- Gurara State—From Southern Kaduna
North Central:
- Okura State – From Kogi State
- Apa State – From Benue State
The Senate stated that the move aims to promote equitable representation, correct long-standing imbalances, and bring governance closer to historically underserved communities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the decision as “a courageous and unifying step forward,” noting that the measure reflects the longstanding aspirations of many Nigerians for greater local autonomy and development.
A government gazette outlining the boundaries, governance structures, and transition guidelines for the new states is expected in the coming weeks.
The proposal will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before heading to President Bola Tinubu for final assent, as required by the constitution.
If fully ratified, the new additions will increase Nigeria’s total number of states from 36 to 48.
