Stakeholders from the North-West zone have renewed calls for the creation of new states, citing improved development, equity, and security as key motivations. The demands were presented at the North-West zonal public hearing of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held on Saturday and Sunday in Kano.
Proposed States and Their Justifications
- *Bayajidda State*: To be created from Katsina State, with proponents arguing it would enhance agricultural development and improve living standards.
- *Karaduwa State*: Also to be created from Katsina State, comprising 11 local government areas, with potential for further expansion. Proponents believe it would harness its landmass for agricultural development and promote political inclusion.
- *Kainji State*: To be formed from parts of Kebbi and Niger, with an estimated population of 2.2 million people and covering a landmass of 36,800 square kilometers. The proposed state would consist of Zuru Emirate in Kebbi and Kontagora and Borgu Emirates in Niger, leveraging their long-standing administrative and historical ties.
- *Tiga and Ghari States*: To be created from Kano State, with proponents arguing it would bring governance closer to the grassroots and promote security and economic development.
- *Gurara and New Kaduna States*: To be formed from Kaduna State, with Gurara having significant human and natural resources, including ginger and columbite. This would reduce the region's reliance on federal allocations and foster peace, economic growth, and closer governance.
- *Hadeja State*: To be created from Jigawa State, with proponents believing it would address security concerns and promote justice, equity, and fairness for the people of the region.
Key Arguments
Proponents of the new states argue that their creation would ¹ ²:
- Bring governance closer to the grassroots
- Promote security and economic development
- Enhance agricultural development and improve living standards
- Address security concerns and promote justice, equity, and fairness
Reaction and Next Steps
The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has received these demands, with the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, describing the push as a "unanimous demand" from both the Northern and Southern zones of Kaduna State. The committee will review the proposals and consider the potential implications of creating new states in the North-West zone ¹.
