By Our Reporter

Abuja, A far-reaching constitutional restructuring proposal known as the Nigeria Geo-Political Zone Bill 2026 has outlined a new framework that would fundamentally reshape Nigeria’s system of governance by formally recognizing the country’s six geo-political zones as constitutional organs of government.

According to the proposal, the reforms, if constitutionally approved would take effect on October 1, 2026, introducing a four-tier governmental structure comprising the Federal Government, Geo-Political Zone Governments, State Governments, and Local Governments.

If enacted, the bill would represent one of the most significant constitutional changes since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

Four-Tier System of Government

Under the proposed arrangement, Nigeria’s existing six geo-political zones would become constitutionally recognized administrative authorities with clearly defined responsibilities.

Each zone would function as an intermediary level of government between the federal and state governments, coordinating regional development, security, healthcare, infrastructure, and other strategic services.

Nigeria to Have 42 States

The proposal also seeks to restructure the federation into 42 states, with each geopolitical zone comprising seven states.

The bill further provides that no additional states shall be created after the new 42-state structure becomes effective, making the number constitutionally fixed.

The proposed state structure is as follows:

South-South

• Bayelsa State – Yenagoa
• West Izon State – Patani
• Rivers State – Port Harcourt
• Cross River State – Calabar
• Akwa Ibom State – Uyo
• Edo State – Benin
• Delta State – Warri

North-East

• Mambilla State – Gashaka
• Taraba State – Jalingo
• Adamawa State – Yola
• Borno State – Maiduguri
• Yobe State – Damaturu
• Bauchi State – Bauchi
• Gombe State – Gombe

South-East

• Anioma State – Asaba
• Orashi State – Omoku
• Anambra State – Awka
• Imo State – Owerri
• Enugu State – Enugu
• Abia State – Umuahia
• Ebonyi State – Abakaliki

North-Central

• Abuja State – Abuja
• Gurara State – Kafanchan
• Benue State – Makurdi
• Plateau State – Jos
• Nasarawa State – Lafia
• Kogi State – Lokoja
• Niger State – Minna

South-West

• Odo Oya State – Ilorin
• Oyo State – Ibadan
• Ogun State – Abeokuta
• Lagos State – Ikeja
• Ondo State – Akure
• Ekiti State – Ado-Ekiti
• Osun State – Oshogbo

North-West

• Sokoto State – Sokoto
• Kebbi State – Birnin Kebbi
• Kaduna State – Kaduna
• Katsina State – Katsina
• Kano State – Kano
• Jigawa State – Dutse
• Zamfara State – Gusau

Resource Control to Replace Federal Allocation

One of the proposal’s most significant economic reforms is the planned abolition of Nigeria’s current federal allocation system.

In its place, the bill proposes a resource control model, under which states would remain the primary federating units, and revenues would be shared as follows:

• States: 50%
• Federation Account: 20%
• Geo-Political Zones: 15%
• National Trust Fund: 15%

The transition to the new revenue-sharing formula would occur gradually, with full implementation targeted for 2040.

Regional Police to Strengthen Security

The proposed legislation assigns responsibility for establishing and maintaining regional police forces to each geopolitical zone.

These regional security agencies would operate alongside the Nigeria Police Force, with the aim of improving local policing and strengthening security coordination across the country.

Electricity Generation and Distribution

Under the reforms, every geopolitical zone would be constitutionally mandated to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within its jurisdiction.

The proposal aims to decentralize power infrastructure and encourage regional energy development to improve the electricity supply nationwide.

Rotational Leadership Structure

Leadership of each geopolitical zone would rest with a Committee of Governors, comprising the governors of the seven constituent states.

The office of Chairman of the Geo-Political Zone would rotate annually among the governors.

A Chief Executive would also be appointed to oversee the day-to-day administration of the zonal civil service and implement decisions reached by the governors.

Sectoral Committees

To coordinate governance across the zones, committees of state commissioners would be established to oversee critical sectors, including:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Transportation
• Security
• Other regional development priorities

Specialist Healthcare Expansion

The proposal also assigns responsibility for secondary specialist healthcare to the geopolitical zones.

Each zone would establish specialist hospitals dedicated to areas such as:

• Oncology
• HIV/AIDS treatment
• Renal care
• Dementia
• Reproductive health
• Dermatology
• Other specialized medical services

The objective is to improve access to advanced healthcare across Nigeria while reducing pressure on federal medical institutions.

Financial Responsibility and Bailout Mechanism

The bill introduces a financial accountability framework requiring geopolitical zones to support any constituent state unable to meet its operational expenses.

Where a state experiences financial distress, its geopolitical zone would be constitutionally required to provide assistance.

Should the zone fail to intervene, the proposal empowers the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the affected state.

A Landmark Restructuring Proposal

If eventually enacted, the Nigeria Geo-Political Zone Bill 2026 would significantly redefine governance, fiscal federalism, regional administration, electricity management, healthcare delivery, and internal security.

Supporters are expected to argue that the reforms would deepen federalism, strengthen regional development, and promote greater fiscal responsibility. Critics, however, are likely to scrutinize the constitutional, political, and economic implications of the proposed change.