The Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review has approved the creation of six new states across Nigeria.
The decision followed a two-day retreat in Lagos, co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The committee reviewed 69 bills, including 55 requests for new states and 278 for local governments.
If passed, the total number of states in the country will rise from 36 to 42, with one additional state in each of the six geopolitical zones.
A subcommittee has been set up to determine the areas from which the new states will be created, with assurances of fairness to all regions.
The committee’s report is expected to be presented to both chambers of the National Assembly in early November for final consideration.
