In a statement signed by its Media Director, Tonnie Oganah, the group described the committee’s decision as a “bold and historic step” toward achieving justice and balance in Nigeria’s federal structure.
The approval was reached at a two-day retreat held in Lagos, where the joint committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives reviewed 55 proposals for new state creation across the country. The session was chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and co-chaired by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
The committee resolved that, in the spirit of fairness and equity, an additional state should be created in the South-East region to bring it at par with other geopolitical zones.
The Anioma Movement hailed the lawmakers for recognising what it called the Southeast’s “legitimate demand for equity and inclusion” in Nigeria’s structure.
According to the statement, “Anioma people support the proposal as the first step to equalising the Igbo nation in Nigeria. Just as Senator Ned Nwoko is working tirelessly to actualise Anioma State creation this year, some detractors are trying to frustrate the effort, but the referendum will ultimately determine what the people truly want.”
The group described Senator Ned Nwoko as the “living convener” of the Anioma cause, praising him for reviving the spirit of the movement championed by Nigeria’s first Premier of the Mid-West Region, the late Dennis Osadebe.
It further argued that the creation of Anioma State would empower the Igbo people politically and economically, while also promoting fairness and stability across the federation.
“For equity, all six geopolitical zones should have seven states each, like the North-West. Anioma State should be created this year along with five other new states,” the statement read.
On financial sustainability, the group dismissed claims that Nigeria lacks resources for new states, stressing that mismanagement—not scarcity—is the real issue.
“The latest federal allocation was over ₦2 trillion. If funds are properly managed for citizens’ welfare, Nigeria can sustain more states,” it said.
The group added that new states would generate employment and stimulate grassroots development.
“The fastest way to create jobs is through state creation. More states mean more offices, more opportunities, and more development,” Oganah said.
Reaffirming Anioma’s cultural identity, the group maintained that the proposed state naturally belongs to the South-East because of its Igbo heritage.
“Anioma people are Igbo—we speak the language, observe the market days, wear the red cap, and share the same traditions,” it noted.
The group described the National Assembly’s move as a sign of renewed hope for fairness, unity, and inclusion in Nigeria’s political system.
“A balanced federation will make Nigeria stronger, more united, and more prosperous. Equity is the foundation of unity,” the statement concluded.
