Nigeria may be heading for a major political and geographical shake-up as several bills proposing the creation of new states have scaled the second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bills, sponsored by lawmakers from different regions, aim to restructure the country’s administrative and political map by carving new states from existing ones.
If approved, the proposals could significantly alter Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape and governance framework.
Among the new states proposed are Ibadan, Ijebu, Orlu, Oke-Ogun, Ife-Ijesa, Tiga, and Etiti each advancing through crucial stages of legislative approval.
Ibadan State
A bill seeking to create Ibadan State from Oyo State passed its second reading on October 9, 2025, according to The Cable.
Sponsored by Abass Adigun (Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency), the proposal seeks a constitutional amendment to establish Ibadan as a distinct state.
Lawmakers say the move reflects the city’s cultural, political, and historical significance.
Ijebu State
On October 23, 2025, Vanguard confirmed that a bill for Ijebu State creation from Ogun State also scaled the second reading.
Sponsored by Olufemi Ogunbanwo and three other lawmakers, the proposal is driven by strong regional calls for administrative decentralisation.
Advocates argue that Ijebu’s economic and cultural identity justifies its demand for statehood.
Oke-Ogun, Ife-Ijesa, and Ijebu States (Joint Bill)
In March 2025, Daily Trust reported that Oluwole Oke sponsored a consolidated bill proposing three new states: Oke-Ogun, Ife-Ijesa, and Ijebu.
The joint proposal, which passed second reading, aims to amend the First Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, marking one of the boldest attempts to increase state representation in the South-West.
Tiga State
Another significant proposal is Tiga State, to be carved out of Kano State, with Rano as the proposed capital.
The bill, HB.1308, sponsored by Rep. Ghali Mustapha Tijani, passed its second reading in March 2025.
The proposal has gained traction amid growing calls for administrative restructuring in Nigeria’s North-West.
Orlu State
In the South-East, Rep. Ikweagwuonu Ugochinyere sponsored HB.1430, proposing the creation of Orlu State.
The bill, which passed its second reading in March 2025, aims to address the region’s long-standing demand for greater representation, autonomy, and equitable resource distribution.
Etiti State
Another major South-East proposal came from George Ibezimako Ozodinobi, who sponsored a bill to establish Etiti State, with Okigwe as its capital. It also passed second reading in March 2025.
Supporters believe the creation of Etiti State would enhance regional governance and boost socio-economic development.
Although these bills have crossed the critical second-reading stage, they still face extensive legislative scrutiny, constitutional amendments, and possible public hearings before final approval.
Legal icon Afe Babalola recently urged lawmakers to conduct a national referendum before approving the creation of additional states.
He warned that expanding Nigeria’s 36-state structure without addressing governance efficiency and economic sustainability could worsen the country’s fiscal burden.
The National Assembly’s latest action signals a renewed push for federal restructuring a long-standing demand among political and regional leaders seeking fairer representation and development balance across Nigeria