Nigeria’s political map may soon witness a major transformation as several bills proposing the creation of new states have successfully scaled the second reading in the House of Representatives. The development has reignited conversations around restructuring, representation, and regional development across the country.
The proposed states, sponsored by lawmakers from different geopolitical zones, aim to carve new administrative units from existing states—reshaping Nigeria’s political and governance framework if eventually approved.
On 9 October 2025, The Cable reported that a bill seeking to create Ibadan State from the current Oyo State passed its second reading. The proposal, sponsored by Hon. Abass Adigun (Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency), seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to recognise Ibadan as a separate state.
Shortly after, on 23 October 2025, Vanguard confirmed that lawmakers advanced a bill proposing the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun State. The legislation, sponsored by Hon. Olufemi Ogunbanwo (Ijebu Ode/Ijebu North East/Odogbolu Federal Constituency) and three co-sponsors, gained widespread backing. Supporters argue that Ijebu’s deep-rooted cultural identity and economic strength justify its bid for statehood.
In the North-West, Daily Trust highlighted the proposal for Tiga State, sponsored by Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani (HB.1308). The bill, which suggests Rano as the capital, also
passed its second reading—signalling rising calls for decentralisation in Kano, Nigeria’s most populous state.The South-East recorded strong momentum as well, with two key bills crossing the second reading mark. Hon. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere’s HB.1430 seeks to create Orlu State, while Hon. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi’s proposal for Etiti State (with Okigwe as capital) also cleared the second legislative hurdle. Both bills, debated in March 2025, reflect growing demands for better representation and equitable resource distribution in the region.
In addition, a consolidated bill sponsored by Hon. Oluwole Oke in March 2025 proposed the creation of three additional South-West states—Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa. The inclusion of Ijebu State in this broader legislative package reinforces its growing traction at the National Assembly.
While all five proposed states—Ibadan, Ijebu, Tiga, Orlu, and Etiti—have successfully passed their second reading, the journey to actual creation remains complex. The bills will now proceed to further constitutional scrutiny, public hearings, and eventual approval stages before Nigeria can welcome new states into its federation.
As debates continue, the push for new states underscores a renewed quest for balance, equity, and regional empowerment across Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
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