Northwest Demands 8 New States At Public Hearing On Constitution Review

Northwest Demands 8 New States At Public Hearing On Constitution Review

Political leaders from Nigeria’s Northwest region have intensified efforts to lobby for the creation of eight additional states as deliberations on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution continue.

Their proposal is among 46 formal submissions currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

This demand was presented during a two-day public hearing held in Kano, organized by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.

If approved, the number of states in the region would increase from seven to 15. The existing states in the Northwest are Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, and Jigawa.

Hundreds of citizens took part in the public hearing, contributing suggestions and opinions aimed at shaping the constitutional reforms. The 10th National Assembly has launched public hearings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to ensure inclusive input in the ongoing constitutional review process.

Recall that the House of Representatives Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution has already concluded its public hearings across the six geo-political zones. It held a public hearing for the North West in Kaduna where agitations for the creation of more states formed part of the debate.

The Kano State Government’s Committee also met last Thursday and harmonised the state’s position ahead of the Senate Committee’s public hearing held at the weekend.

Tiga State

Those advocating for the creation of Tiga State said the demand dates back to the Second Republic, adding that the proposed state comprises the entire Kano South Senatorial District and one additional local government from Kano Central.

They stressed that all legal and constitutional requirements for state creation had been fulfilled and submitted.

“The people have unanimously agreed on Gwarzo as the capital due to its central location and available infrastructure. We urge the committee to consider this historic and well-supported demand,” one of the delegates to the public hearing said.

Ghari State

Representatives pushing for Ghari State highlighted the disparity in senatorial representation, pointing out that Kano, despite its population, still has just one senatorial district. They cited marginalization in federal projects and political appointments as reasons the new state should be created.

“Kano was created alongside Lagos, but while Lagos has seen major political restructuring, Kano has remained unchanged. We urge the National Assembly to correct this imbalance through the creation of Ghari State,” a representative said.

Hadejia and Karadua states

Delegates calling for Hadejia and Karadua States argued that the regions possess vast agricultural potential and deserve administrative autonomy to develop independently.

“Karadua alone produces more rice and vegetables than some states. With the right leadership and autonomy, we can boost national food security and local employment,” a delegate explained.

Gurara State

The Gurara State movement emphasized the distinct cultural identity of its people and a long history of being underrepresented. They presented documents supporting their constitutional compliance, including endorsements from local lawmakers and traditional institutions.

“Our people deserve self-determination and equal political opportunity. Gurara State is a just demand backed by unity and grassroots mobilization,” leader of the movement said.

Bayajida State

Supporters of Bayajida State highlighted the increasing governance challenges faced by the current parent state due to its size and population. They argued that a new state would enhance security coordination and service delivery.

“Our request is not based on politics but on logic and the need for responsive governance. Bayajida State will allow for closer government presence and faster intervention in rural areas,” their spokesperson said.

Kainji State

Proponents of Kainji State pointed to the rich natural resources within the proposed territory, including hydropower, agriculture and fisheries. They insisted the economic base of the area makes it viable as an independent state.

“We are blessed with land, water and minerals. Kainji State can be self-sufficient and contribute significantly to the national economy,” they argued.

New Kaduna State

Those advocating for the creation of New Kaduna State made their case for equitable administrative distribution and national unity. They cited population growth and the complexities of governing the current Kaduna State as reasons for the proposed split.

“We are not asking for separation, but for administrative convenience that will foster peace and development,” a delegate said.

In its submission, the Kano State Government backed the creation of additional states, state police, and independent candidacy, while opposing the decentralisation of labour matters and diaspora voting.

This was part of a comprehensive memorandum submitted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through his Chief of Staff, Sulaiman Wali, who represented him at the event. Wali said the submission was informed by extensive consultations with stakeholders across Kano.

The Kano delegation opposed the proposed transfer of inland waterways from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list, citing national security and equity concerns. They also rejected attempts to move labour and industrial matters to the concurrent list, warning that doing so would undermine organised labour and potentially trigger unrest.

On diaspora voting, the government recommended deferring the bill due to anticipated operational challenges that could erode electoral trust.

However, the Kano State Government fully supported independent candidacy, the inclusion of more women in elective positions through affirmative action, and a new revenue-sharing formula.

It also proposed reducing the federal allocation from 52.68 to 40 percent, increasing the state share to 35 percent, and raising the local government share from 20 to 25 percent.

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