There is a growing agitation for the creation of additional states in the Northwest geopolitical region to ensure equitable distribution of resources and foster development.

The groups behind the call cited challenges such as increasing population density and dwindling resources to meet the growing needs of residents as a compelling basis for the demand.

The agitation was presented in a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee on the 1999 Constitution amendment during the public hearing for the North West geopolitical zone held over the weekend in Kano.

In his submission, the Chairman and Director-General for the creation of Kainji State, Dr. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, said the proposed state would comprise one emirate from Kebbi State and two emirates from Niger State.

He explained that, based on an earlier arrangement dating back to the colonial administration in 1902, the three emirates existed together as an administrative unit with a mutual understanding already established among them.

Dr. Ibeto further noted that the creation of the new state would help address security challenges and promote justice, equity, and fairness.

“When created, this state will have a population of 2.2 million and a landmass of 36,800 square kilometers, with its headquarters in Kontagora. This would make it one of the 10 largest states in the country,” Dr. Ibeto said.

Similarly, a representative of the Gurara State agitators, Barr. Mark Jacob, said the group had secured all the signatures required by Section 8 of the Constitution.

He said, “This is the first time the entire state is united and convinced that a state should be created. An agreement has been reached among stakeholders from both the northern and southern parts, including the governor and assembly members.”

He further argued that the proposed state has abundant human resources and natural resources such as ginger, columbite, and other solid minerals. If fully developed, he added, the state would be less dependent on the federal government and would instead enhance peace and growth in the region.

Also speaking, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abdul Adamu Fagge, who submitted a strategic memorandum to the Constitution Review Committee, called for urgent reforms to guarantee the financial independence of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Fagge outlined a detailed proposal advocating the establishment of an Office of the Accountant-General in each local government area as a first step toward dismantling what he described as structural financial dependence on state governments.