Why new states should be created in Nigeria

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By Dr. Sam Eno

In the annals of Nigeria’s illustrious history, the quest for state creation has not merely been an exercise in cartographic reconfiguration but rather a profound testament to our collective aspirations for equity, inclusivity, and economic prosperity. To dismiss the imperative of creating additional states is to overlook the nuanced tapestry of our national identity and the historical grievances that have simmered beneath the veneer of our federation.

Historically, the exigency for state creation has been predicated upon the need to rectify the lopsided colonial delineations that arbitrarily amalgamated distinct ethno-linguistic and cultural entities. These artificial boundaries, bereft of any consideration for the indigenous socio-political fabrics, have perpetuated a legacy of marginalization and disenfranchisement. Thus, the creation of more states stands as a rectification of these historical injustices, fostering a more balanced representation and ensuring that every constituent unit of our federation can exercise its inalienable right to self-determination.

From an economic vantage, the proliferation of states engenders a decentralization of economic activities, thereby catalyzing localized economic development. By devolving powers and resources closer to the grassroots, we engender an environment where states can harness their unique comparative advantages. This decentralization mitigates the bureaucratic inertia that often stymies development at the federal level, allowing for more nimble and responsive governance structures that can swiftly adapt to the economic exigencies of their respective localities.

Moreover, the creation of additional states fosters a more equitable distribution of national wealth. In the current schema, certain regions, owing to their historical and political clout, have garnered a disproportionate share of national resources. By recalibrating the federal structure through the creation of new states, we can engender a more judicious allocation of resources, thus ameliorating regional disparities and fostering a more harmonious coexistence.

In the realm of inclusivity, new states provide a platform for hitherto marginalized groups to assert their identity and exercise political agency. This inclusivity is not merely symbolic; it is a sine qua non for the stability and cohesion of our diverse polity. By providing a voice to every segment of our society, we strengthen the bonds of national unity and engender a more resilient federation.

Thus, it behooves us, as custodians of our collective destiny, to champion the creation of more states not as a parochial pursuit but as a clarion call for a more just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria. It is through such bold and visionary endeavors that we can truly actualize the lofty ideals enshrined in our constitution and bequeath to posterity a nation that epitomizes the zenith of our collective potential.
Dr. Eno is Secretary Abi-Yakurr Peoples Assembly, Abuja