National Assembly Approves New State for South-East Nigeria in 2025

South-East Finally Gets Sixth State as Nigeria Moves Toward Equity and Balance

In a major development that could reshape Nigeria’s political and regional structure, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has approved the creation of a new state for the South-East region, bringing the number of states in the zone to six.

The approval, made public on October 25, 2025, marks a historic victory for advocates who have long demanded equity and balance among Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The move is part of a broader constitutional amendment recommending the creation of six new states nationwide, one in each zone.

Why the New South-East State Matters

Before now, the South-East region — made up of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States — was the only zone with five states, compared to six or seven in other regions. This imbalance has been a recurring issue in national discussions about fair representation and federal equity.

The proposed sixth state, whose final name and boundaries are yet to be confirmed, is expected to boost political inclusion, enhance development, and improve federal allocations to the region.

Political analysts describe the decision as a long-overdue correction in Nigeria’s federal structure. According to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, the approval “represents fairness, justice, and balance for the South-East people who have been politically shortchanged for decades.”

What Happens Next

The next step is constitutional ratification a process that requires the approval of both chambers of the National Assembly, endorsement by at least 24 state assemblies, and eventual presidential assent.

A sub-committee has been set up to determine the new state’s capital and territorial composition, with consultations expected to include traditional leaders, governors, and community stakeholders across the region.

If the process is completed successfully, the new South-East state would officially join the Nigerian federation, expanding the country’s total number of states from 36 to 42.

Public Reactions and Regional Support

The decision has sparked widespread celebration across the region. Groups such as the South-East State Creation Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council hailed the approval as “a bold step toward healing historical injustices.”

However, others have cautioned that political negotiations must be handled carefully to avoid inter-ethnic tensions or disputes over boundaries and resource control.

Economic experts also predict that the new state could attract federal investments, create new jobs, and strengthen local governance, especially if accompanied by infrastructure projects and business reforms.

Challenges and Considerations

While the development is widely welcomed, experts note that state creation in Nigeria is a complex process.

Key challenges include:

Resolving boundary disputes among neighboring communities.

Managing the cost of governance and revenue sharing implications.

Ensuring that new administrative structures are sustainable and inclusive.

Nevertheless, many see this as a transformational moment for the South-East – one that could inspire renewed confidence in Nigeria’s federal system.