Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has called on the Federal Government to suspend the creation of new states, arguing that the country must first resolve the financial and administrative challenges facing the 36 existing states. Speaking during a media interaction in Gusau to mark the 30th anniversary of Zamfara State's creation, Lawal stressed that many states already struggle to function effectively due to financial constraints.
Financial Challenges Facing Existing States
Governor Lawal highlighted that the financial difficulties confronting current states are severe enough to warrant a pause on any further state creation. "Having realised the financial challenges, even the states that have already been created now find it very difficult to function effectively because of finances," he said. "So, I think it is something we need to really think through before we begin to agitate for the creation of additional states."
The governor's remarks come at a time when the House of Representatives is conducting a constitutional review process, during which it received 56 requests for new states from across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. Under Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, creating a new state requires support from federal and state legislators, local government councils, and a public referendum, among other requirements.
Historical Context and Changing Conditions
Lawal acknowledged that state creation has historically brought government closer to the people and encouraged employment and urban development. Zamfara itself was carved out of the old Sokoto State in October 1996 under the military administration of the late General Sani Abacha. He credited that decision with giving communities that were once on the fringes of Sokoto State better access to government institutions.
However, he argued that the conditions of 1996 are very different from those Nigeria faces today. "But for me, for now, I think we need to put it on hold and let the existing states function effectively," he said.
Zamfara's Development and Economic Potential
Beyond the debate over state creation, Lawal used the occasion to outline his administration's development agenda, which he described as a "Rescue Mission" built around six priorities: security, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and human development. He said progress across these areas had reached between 60 and 70 per cent.
The governor also highlighted Zamfara's growing profile in the solid minerals sector, particularly critical minerals. "Today in Nigeria, if you speak about critical minerals, Zamfara is number one. We have seen it, tested it and we have the data," he said.
Fiscal figures support a positive revenue trend. According to BudgIT's 2025 State of States report, Zamfara's total revenue rose from N144.95 billion in 2023 to N315.53 billion in 2024, though the state's internally generated revenue stood at N25.46 billion, indicating continued reliance on federal transfers.
Lawal said this economic potential made a stronger argument for developing existing states than for creating new ones. "We need to make sure the ones that are already there are comfortable and are bringing the kind of development that people expect," he said.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara state has publicly revealed that he refused to pay ransom when bandits kidnapped two of his brothers, saying he was unwilling to hand money to criminals under any circumstances. Lawal said he told his family from the outset that he would not fund any ransom payment, though he stopped short of preventing other relatives from acting on their own.
