Many years ago, when my son was completing paperwork for a Lagos State government job, he faced a dilemma. A compulsory field required his State of Origin. He asked if not filling it would affect his chances. I said yes. He chose not to fill it, believing merit should trump origin. He didn’t get the job.
Nigeria stands out for mandating state of origin documentation for jobs and contracts, prioritizing ancestry over competence.
The Origins of State Creation
State creation aimed to ensure fair representation, especially for ethnic minorities, starting with the 1957 Willink Commission. However, politicians have turned it into a tool for power and resources.
From 12 states in 1967 under General Gowon to 36 in 1996 under General Abacha, the obsession with creating more states has grown, fueled by political greed and the lure of federal allocations.
The Unending Demand
Every National Assembly since 1999 has pursued state creation, promising marginalized communities development while often leaving them disillusioned.
Challenges and Conflicts
State creation has sparked prolonged disputes: Kano-Jigawa (18 years), Cross River-Akwa Ibom (38 years), and Oyo-Osun clashes, among others.
Global Perspective
Major federations like the US, India, Canada, and Brazil have managed diversity without frequent state creation, focusing instead on merit and competence.
The Political Game
For many governors, state creation is more about accessing federal funds than fostering local development. With only four solvent states in 2023, adding more seems impractical.
The Way Forward
True social justice and development lie beyond creating new states. Politicians must prioritize merit, innovation, and resourcefulness over greed and empty promises.
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