Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed legislative support for the creation of Anioma State, declaring that Asaba will serve as its capital while Warri becomes the capital of a reconstituted Delta State. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress South-South Zonal Congress held in Asaba on 26 March 2026, Akpabio said the initiative, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko, continues to receive attention in the National Assembly and is among the priorities of the 10th Senate.
Akpabio described the agitation for Anioma State as historically justified, citing reasons of equity, administrative efficiency, and balanced development. He stated that only one new state will be created in Nigeria and that it will be Anioma State. He further clarified that Anioma will be zoned to the South-East geopolitical region, making it the sixth state in that zone.
The proposal for Anioma State has been long-standing, driven by the Anioma people, a group of western Igbo-speaking communities in Delta State. The name Anioma represents the areas of Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, and Oshimili, which have historically maintained distinct cultural and linguistic identities. Advocates argue that the current administrative arrangement has limited development and political representation for these communities.
Under the current proposal, Asaba, already the capital of Delta State, would transition to serve as the administrative center of Anioma State. This change is expected to enhance governance, improve local development, and provide the Anioma people with greater political and economic control over their affairs. Simultaneously, Warri, a major commercial and industrial hub with strategic infrastructure including ports and oil facilities, would be designated the new capital of Delta State, balancing administrative functions between the two regions.
Akpabio emphasized that the creation of Anioma State is not only a matter of regional identity but also part of broader efforts to decentralize governance, strengthen development planning, and ensure equitable resource allocation. He urged unity among political leaders, stakeholders, and communities to support the initiative.
Senator Ned Nwoko, a key proponent of the state creation bill, has previously highlighted strong backing for the proposal within the National Assembly. He noted that a majority of senators have expressed support, and that legislative committees have been engaged to ensure the process adheres to constitutional requirements.
Supporters of the initiative argue that the new state would provide fairer representation for the Anioma people at the federal level, allow more direct control over local resources, and enhance administrative efficiency. Critics, however, caution that state creation involves a complex constitutional process requiring legislative approval, engagement with state assemblies, and, in some cases, referenda. They emphasize that careful consideration must be given to resource allocation, governance, and regional balance.
The discussions surrounding the creation of Anioma State mark a significant moment in Nigeria’s federal structure. If approved, it would reshape the political and administrative landscape of the South-South region while expanding the South-East geopolitical zone with a new state.
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