Abia State, Nigeria July 20, 2025
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has strongly cautioned against the proposed creation of 31 additional states in Nigeria, arguing that the move would further strain the country’s fragile economy. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, July 19, 2025, Governor Otti’s remarks have reignited national debate on the economic and political viability of state proliferation.
A widely circulated image from the event shows Governor Otti addressing journalists from major Nigerian media outlets, including AIT, NTA, and Channels TV, framed against the Abia State emblem. His comments come in reaction to a February 2025 proposal by the House of Representatives to expand Nigeria’s 36-state structure — a plan that notably includes the creation of Aba State in the Southeast.
Economic Realities at the Forefront
Governor Otti, a former Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank with a reputation for sound economic judgment, warned that Nigeria’s fiscal capacity cannot sustain such expansion. “Creating 31 additional states will create an economic burden on Nigeria,” he stated, citing the nation’s mounting debt profile.
According to a 2022 World Bank report, Nigeria’s public debt stood at 23.2% of GDP, with projections indicating further strain should the country take on the administrative and financial obligations of new states. The Debt Management Office (DMO) continues to report rising domestic and external debt levels, exacerbating concerns about the federal budget’s ability to fund existing commitments.
Governor Otti’s argument aligns with growing calls for Nigeria to prioritize economic reform, job creation, and infrastructure development over politically motivated structural adjustments.
Balancing Regional Equity with Economic Prudence
The push for new states is rooted in long-standing demands for regional equity, particularly from the Southeast, which has only five states compared to the seven or more in other regions. Advocates argue that additional states would address perceived marginalization, enhance security, and create jobs. However, Otti challenged these assumptions, noting that no credible studies support the notion that state creation alone can resolve such complex issues.
At the South-East Constitution Review meeting, Otti instead proposed more practical governance reforms, including the establishment of state police with clear operational frameworks and greater political inclusion for women. “We should focus on empowering ordinary citizens and building a conducive economic environment, not elite-driven policies,” he emphasized.
Public Reactions Highlight Political Divides
Governor Otti’s position has sparked mixed reactions across social media. Supporters, such as @trigottista, praised his realism, arguing that Nigeria is already struggling to manage its 36 existing states. Others, like @dammygtnet, drew unfavorable comparisons with the United States, which manages 50 states despite its larger size and stronger economy. Proponents of state creation, such as @IkennaOkeh, suggested a more modest solution — adding just one state to the Southeast to address regional imbalances.
Critics of Nigeria’s political elite, including @blochief, accused lawmakers of ignoring core national issues, while others, like @Abdulazeeztao17, called for a return to regional governance structures as a more practical alternative.
Otti’s Credibility and Broader Context
Governor Otti’s economic perspective is underpinned by his extensive banking experience and political track record. Elected under the Labour Party in 2023, he has been widely recognized for implementing transformative policies aimed at revitalizing Abia State’s economy and infrastructure. His legal battle over his 2015 election, eventually settled by the Supreme Court, has further bolstered his reputation for resilience and commitment to governance.
Otti’s intervention comes at a time when Nigeria faces persistent challenges: insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist agitations in the Southeast. With over 3.5 million youths entering the labor market annually and unemployment remaining high, his call for economic prudence over political expansion resonates with many.
What Lies Ahead
The proposal to create 31 new states faces significant constitutional hurdles under Sections 8 and 9 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, requiring broad political consensus and legislative approval. The last such exercise occurred in 1996 under General Sani Abacha’s military regime. Today, questions of economic viability and public acceptance loom large.
Governor Otti’s remarks have shifted the focus of the conversation, urging Nigerians to prioritize long-term stability over short-term political gains. As the debate continues, the tension between regional equity and economic sustainability will likely remain a dominant theme in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
