By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Stakeholders from the North-West zone have renewed demands for the creation of new states to promote development, equity, and security. The call was made during the North-West zonal public hearing of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held on Saturday and Sunday in Kano.
Chairman of the Kainji State Movement, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, told the committee, “When created, Kainji State will have an estimated population of 2.2 million people and cover a landmass of 36,800 square kilometres, ranking it among the 10 largest states in the country.”
He explained that the proposed state, consisting of Zuru Emirate in Kebbi and Kontagora and Borgu Emirates in Niger, had long-standing administrative and historical ties dating back to 1902. According to him, it would help address security challenges and promote justice, equity, and fairness for the people.
Also speaking, a representative of the Gurara State agitation group, Mark Jacob, said, “Our submission complies with Section 8 of the Constitution, with all the necessary signatures from stakeholders. It is a unanimous demand from both the Northern and Southern zones of Kaduna State, including endorsement from the Governor and the State House of Assembly.”
Jacob highlighted Gurara’s abundant human and natural resources such as ginger, columbite, and other solid minerals, noting that their development could reduce reliance on federal allocations while fostering peace, economic growth, and closer governance.
Similarly, proponents of Karaduwa State explained that the proposed entity would comprise 11 local government areas with potential for expansion. They said the new state would harness its landmass for agriculture, enhance political inclusion, and improve living standards.
The hearing, chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, received submissions for Bayajidda and Karaduwa from Katsina; Kainji from Kebbi and Niger; Tiga and Ghari from Kano; Gurara and New Kaduna from Kaduna; and Hadeija from Jigawa.
According to the proponents, state creation would bring governance closer to the grassroots and boost security and economic development in the region.