A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has dismissed calls for the creation of 31 additional states in Nigeria, arguing that it will not address the country’s fundamental challenges.
Speaking in an interview on Sunday, George emphasized that rather than focusing on state creation, the country should prioritize true federalism to drive sustainable development.
His remarks followed a statement by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who revealed that the House had received proposals for the creation of 31 new states across various regions of the country.
The proposed states include Okun, Okura, and Confluence from Kogi; Benue Ala and Apa from Benue; FCT State; Amana from Adamawa; Katagum from Bauchi; Savannah from Borno; Muri from Taraba; New Kaduna and Gurara from Kaduna; Tiga and Ari from Kano; Kainji from Kebbi; Etiti and Orashi from the South-East; Adada from Enugu; Orlu and Aba; Ogoja from Cross River; Warri from Delta; Ori and Obolo from Rivers; Torumbe from Ondo; Ibadan from Oyo; Lagoon from Lagos and Ogun; Ijebu from Ogun; and Oke Ogun/Ijesha from Oyo, Ogun, and Osun states.
George, however, criticized the approach, stating that many existing states are already struggling financially, and adding more would only worsen the situation. He stressed that restructuring the country’s governance system through true federalism is the key to national progress.
“We don’t need more states. The focus should be on restructuring our federal system to function efficiently, just like in the United States. In America, mayors have control over key infrastructure like airports and seaports, while in Nigeria, everything is centralized in Abuja. This system is not sustainable,” he argued.
He further called for the establishment of state and local police to improve security and governance, citing the American model where different levels of government have greater autonomy.
According to him, the excessive concentration of power at the federal level has rendered states and local governments ineffective.
George also emphasized the need for constitutional reforms, advocating for the adoption of the recommendations from the 2014 National Conference. He insisted that allowing states to manage their resources independently would pave the way for economic growth and stability.
“There is no state in Nigeria that is not blessed with natural or human resources, but the current constitution limits their ability to harness them. We need a system where states can develop at their own pace without unnecessary dependence on the central government,” he added.
He urged the National Assembly to prioritize constitutional reforms and power devolution instead of pursuing more state creation, which he described as an unsustainable approach to Nigeria’s challenges.