The debate over creating new states in Nigeria is heating up again, sparking passion and hope across the country. With over 40 proposals for new states being considered by the National Assembly, the idea is often pitched as a way to improve governance, boost development, and ensure fairer representation. But after digging into the issue, I believe adding more states is a distraction from Nigeria’s real problems.
The call for new states comes from a place of frustration. Many Nigerians feel their regions are overlooked, neglected by the federal government, or cheated out of resources. For instance, the Southeast, with only five states compared to the North’s 19, has long argued for an extra state to level the playing field.
On paper, new states seem like a solution. They could bring government closer to the people, create jobs, and give communities a stronger voice. But when you look closer, the flaws in this plan start to pile up.
Let’s start with the money problem. Nigeria’s economy is already struggling. Many of the current 36 states can barely pay salaries or fund basic services like schools and hospitals. Most depend heavily on federal handouts, with only a few, like Lagos, bringing in significant revenue.
Adding more states would mean dividing the same limited resources even further. Each new state needs a governor, an assembly, and a bureaucracy, all requiring budgets, staff, and infrastructure. If existing states are scraping by, how will new ones survive? It’s like trying to feed a growing family with less food on the table.
Then there’s the question of governance. The hope is that new states will make government more responsive, but history suggests otherwise. When Nigeria went from three regions to 12 states in 1967, and later to 36, the goal was unity and progress. Instead, it often led to more corruption and inefficiency.
State capitals become playgrounds for political elites, while rural areas see little improvement. Past state creations haven’t erased poverty or fixed crumbling infrastructure in places like Ebonyi or Ekiti. They’ve just handed power to new leaders who often put themselves first.
There’s also the risk of stirring up division. Nigeria’s diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups, is a strength but also a delicate balance. Creating new states can spark fights over boundaries, resources, and political control. Take the push for an Anioma state in the Southeast.
Some see it as a step toward fairness, but others worry it could fuel ethnic tensions or weaken states like Delta. In a country already dealing with insecurity and separatist movements, adding more fault lines could make things worse.
Related News: IPAC Chairman: Federal Allocations Drive State Creation Demands
So, what’s a better way forward? Instead of chopping Nigeria into smaller pieces, we should focus on making the current system work. One idea is to give states more control over their resources and decisions. Right now, the federal government holds too much power, from oil money to security.
States like Lagos show what’s possible when local governments have more freedom. If other states could keep more of their revenue and set their policies, they might not need to rely on Abuja. This would also push governors to be more accountable to their people, not just the federal government.
Another fix is rethinking how resources are shared. The current system, where states get monthly payouts based on things like population and landmass, often feels unfair. A model that rewards states for generating their revenue could encourage governors to focus on development instead of waiting for handouts. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s better than creating more states that can’t stand on their own.
The push for new states also pulls attention away from bigger issues like insecurity and unemployment. Bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents don’t care about state lines; they cross them freely. New states won’t stop them and might even complicate efforts to fight back. With youth unemployment at record levels, Nigeria needs investment in jobs and infrastructure, not more government offices.
I understand why people want new states. It feels like a way to be seen and heard. But it’s a short-term fix for a broken system. Nigeria’s real issue isn’t the number of states; it’s how the country is governed.
We need leaders who will tackle the economy, improve security, and empower states to succeed. Adding more states might feel good for a moment, but it’s like rearranging furniture in a house that’s falling apart. Let’s fix the foundation first.
