Stakeholders Renew Demand for New States at Constitution Review Hearing

Stakeholders from the North-West zone have again pushed for the creation of new states, saying it will improve development, fairness, and security.

During a Senate constitutional review hearing held in Kano, proposals were submitted for the creation of states including Bayajidda and Karaduwa from Katsina; Kainji from parts of Kebbi and Niger; Tiga and Ghari from Kano; Gurara and New Kaduna from Kaduna; and Hadeja from Jigawa.

The chairman of the Kainji State Movement, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, explained that the proposed state would unite communities with historical links dating back to colonial times, and would be one of Nigeria’s largest in terms of size and population.

Similarly, Mark Jacob, representing the Gurara movement, said their proposal had full backing from both Northern and Southern Kaduna, including the governor and the state assembly. He said the region has enough human and natural resources to support its own economy.

Other advocates argued that new states would help bring governance closer to the people and reduce insecurity in the region.