Stephen Ogundipe, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has expressed support for the ongoing proposal to create new states in Nigeria, calling the move long overdue. In an interview with NAN on Sunday, Ogundipe, representing the Oshodi/Isolo 1 constituency, emphasized that the country’s administrative landscape required an update, particularly given the growing need for more states to promote efficient governance and development.
Ogundipe’s remarks came in response to the proposal introduced by the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, which suggests creating 31 additional states across the country. The proposal aims to address demands for better representation, improved economic viability, and a more balanced regional distribution of resources.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, had outlined the proposal during a plenary session in Abuja on Thursday, stating that if approved, the move would increase the number of states in Nigeria from the current 36 to 67. Kalu stressed that the creation of new states would significantly alter the political and administrative dynamics of the country, providing a more equitable system of governance.
Ogundipe supported the proposal, noting that the last time new states were created was on October 1, 1996, under the military regime of General Sani Abacha. He argued that many existing states are too large, which complicates effective administration. “Some states are too massive, and the creation of more states would help improve governance,” Ogundipe said.
The lawmaker also explained that spreading the creation of more states would help to distribute development more evenly across the country. “The new states would take infrastructural and economic growth deeper into the nooks and crannies, bringing governance closer to the people,” he remarked. According to Ogundipe, this would ensure that every Nigerian has a greater sense of inclusion in the country’s political and economic life.
Discussing the feasibility of the proposal, Ogundipe expressed confidence that the number of new states being suggested was based on thorough processes. “I feel strongly that the proposal has undergone rigorous scrutiny, so there is little fault to be found in it,” he stated. The lawmaker emphasized that the focus should now shift toward holistic development across all regions, ensuring that every Nigerian feels a sense of belonging in the political system.
Ogundipe also cited international examples, pointing to the United States’ historical desire for the creation of new states. He referenced the Trump administration’s interest in adding new states as a way to ensure better governance. “Even in the U.S., there has been a discussion on adding new states. It’s a common desire in many countries to decentralize power and improve local governance,” he said.
While acknowledging that some fears exist about the potential for everyone wanting their own state for political reasons, Ogundipe maintained that these concerns were natural. However, he emphasized that the real priority should be ensuring that leaders of any new states are patriotic and committed to equitable resource allocation. “Leaders should ensure that resources allocated to their states are justifiably distributed across critical sectors for balanced development,” he added.
Ogundipe also suggested that new states, if created, should focus on internal resource generation to reduce dependence on federal allocations. He highlighted the importance of self-sufficiency in fostering sustainable economic growth. “New states should also look inward for resources, ensuring they don’t rely too heavily on federal allocation,” he stated.
Ogundipe remained optimistic about the potential benefits of the creation of new states, insisting that it would help address Nigeria’s governance challenges and foster economic growth. “The economic concerns of the country will be addressed by those who will pilot the creation, and the prospects will eventually be realized in the long run,” he said. With ongoing discussions at the National Assembly, Ogundipe believes that the creation of new states is an essential step toward modernizing Nigeria’s governance structure.
