Let us not deceive ourselves there will be nothing like state creation throughout the tenure of this administration.
Nigeria’s current economic realities make such a venture impossible. While the idea of creating new states appeals to some regions seeking equity and development, state creation requires more than just public sentiment. It demands financial readiness, constitutional adherence, and broad political consensus none of which are present at this time.
From a financial perspective, the country is grappling with significant challenges. The federal government struggles to meet existing obligations, including workers’ salaries, infrastructure, and national security. Most states depend almost entirely on federal allocations and are unable to sustain themselves through internally generated revenue. In this economic climate, the idea of adding new states each with its own administrative structure and fiscal burden is not only impractical but also potentially destabilizing.
Beyond finances, the constitutional process for state creation is complex. It requires approval by two-thirds of the National Assembly, consent from two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly, and a successful national referendum. In today’s politically fragmented environment, achieving such widespread agreement is highly unlikely.
More critically, our focus as a nation should shift from creating additional states to strengthening the ones we already have. Many existing states are underperforming, lacking good governance, transparency, and sustainable development. The real national discourse should revolve around restructuring, true federalism, devolution of powers, and fostering economically viable subnational entities.
It is time to speak plainly and truthfully. Giving people false hope about state creation is counterproductive and distracts from the more urgent task of rebuilding our nation.
By Chief Edet Isong, Okete Okete Oro
Publisher, Newsday Newspaper.