BREAKING: National Assembly Committee Approves New State for South-East — Region Finally Gets “Equal Seat” on Nigeria’s Map

The long wait may finally be over for the South-East region as the Joint Committee on Constitution Review of the National Assembly has approved the creation of an additional state for the region  a development already sending shockwaves across Nigeria’s political space.

The decision, reached during a two-day retreat in Lagos, was jointly presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. The move aims to correct what lawmakers describe as “years of imbalance and marginalisation” in Nigeria’s federal structure.

“This is about fairness and equity. The South-East deserves the same representation as every other zone,” Kalu said at the session.

When implemented, the South-East  currently comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States  will have six states, like other regions.

The motion, raised by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) and seconded by Ibrahim Isiaka (Ogun State), was unanimously adopted by all committee members.

In addition, a sub-committee has been formed to assess requests for more states and local government areas across the country, with over 278 proposals submitted for review.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin called on lawmakers to mobilise support for the move during the upcoming constitutional amendment vote, saying the reform “must reflect true national inclusivity.”

“By the time we get to the actual voting, all stakeholders must be on board. This is not just for one region—it’s for the unity of Nigeria,” he stated.