Merge Existing States Instead of Creating More” — Dr. Peter Anosike

Abuja — Public affairs analyst, Dr. Peter Anosike, has called for a national conversation on the need to merge some of Nigeria’s existing states instead of creating new ones, arguing that the current structure has become financially unsustainable and administratively inefficient.

Speaking on Inside Analysis on Voice of the People Television (VOP TV), Dr. Anosike noted that most states in Nigeria rely heavily on federal allocations and struggle to generate enough internal revenue to fund basic governance and development.

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He said:

“Instead of creating more states, why not merge the ones we already have? Many of our states cannot even pay salaries without federal support. We should be talking about viability, not expansion.”

Dr. Anosike emphasized that merging states could promote economic cooperation, reduce administrative costs, and foster regional development, adding that the focus should be on building stronger, self-sustaining subnational governments rather than multiplying weak ones.

He urged policymakers to prioritize fiscal responsibility and rethink Nigeria’s political structure in the interest of long-term national growth and unity.