The National Assembly‘s joint committee on constitution review has approved the establishment of an extra state in the southeast.

The decision was made after a two-day retreat in Lagos, when the committee discussed 55 proposals for new states across the country.

The southeast now has five states, which is fewer than the six or seven in other geopolitical zones.

The session was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and co-chaired by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.

Kalu, who has long advocated for the formation of another state in the southeast, said the decision was based on equity, justice, and fairness.

During the deliberation, the committee unanimously backed the plan.

The resolution to create the new state was moved by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi Central, and seconded by Ibrahim Isiaka, MP representing the Ifo/Ewekoro federal constituency in Ogun state.

The motion was approved by the Committee.

The joint committee also formed a subcommittee to discuss the establishment of new states and local government entities in all six geopolitical zones.

In total, 278 proposals were submitted for assessment.

Barau asked members to seek the support of their colleagues in both houses and state assemblies to ensure that the resolutions pass during voting.

“We need to strengthen what we have started so that all parts of the country will key into this process,” he said.

“By the time we get to the actual voting, we should already have the buy-in of all stakeholders.”