A former deputy governor of Nigeria’s Niger State, Ambassador Ahmed Ibeto, has urged federal lawmakers to create a new state—Kainji—through the restructuring of Niger and parts of neighboring Kebbi State. Speaking at a constitutional review hearing in Kano on Sunday, Ibeto framed the proposal as a step toward equitable governance and stability in regions struggling with security challenges and uneven development.
The push for Kainji State, he explained, is backed by three traditional emirates: Kontagora and Borgu in Niger State, and Zuru in Kebbi. These areas, spanning vast and culturally diverse territories, face difficulties in effective governance due to their size and limited infrastructure. Ibeto argued that administrative fragmentation has contributed to persistent insecurity, as remote communities remain underserved. “Partitioning these areas into a new state would enable better governance,” he said, emphasizing that fragmentation could curb violence linked to weak state presence.
Niger State’s current structure—25 local government areas split across three senatorial zones—has also sparked concern over resource distribution. Ibeto noted that its ethnic diversity complicates efforts to ensure fair political representation and balanced development. Splitting the state, he claimed, would allow for “smaller, more manageable administrative units,” fostering grassroots democracy and improving public service delivery.
The proposal coincides with broader national debates over restructuring Nigeria’s federal system, which currently comprises 36 states. Ibeto, a senior member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), urged the National Assembly to prioritize memoranda advocating state creation, particularly in large states like Niger. He stressed that such reforms should not be seen as political concessions but as constitutional imperatives to strengthen national unity.
While the call for Kainji State reflects localized demands, it underscores recurring tensions in Nigeria’s governance model. Critics of centralized power have long argued that smaller states could address regional disparities, though opponents caution against administrative bloat and increased costs. The National Assembly’s constitutional review committee, tasked with considering revisions ahead of 2025, has yet to indicate whether state creation will advance to legislative debate.
Ibeto’s appeal highlights the intersection of geography, identity, and governance in Nigeria’s federal structure—a topic of enduring relevance as the country grapples with demographic shifts and security crises. The outcome of such proposals could set precedents for similar campaigns in other regions seeking autonomy or improved representation.
