By John Moses
Former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Ambassador Ahmed Musa Ibeto, has renewed the call for the creation of Kainji State from parts of the current Niger and Kebbi States to promote justice, equity, and effective governance among the region’s diverse populations.
Ibeto made the appeal on Sunday during the North-West zonal public hearing on constitutional review held in Kano.
According to him, the proposed Kainji State is being demanded by three emirates—Kontagora and Borgu from Niger State, and the Zuru Emirate from Kebbi State.
Highlighting the challenges posed by Niger’s vast landmass and ethno-cultural diversity, Ibeto said it has become increasingly difficult to ensure balanced development, fair political representation, and equitable resource distribution across the state’s 25 local government areas.
“The vastness of the territory and its diverse ethnic makeup make effective governance a daunting task,” he said. “If these areas are restructured into a new state, governance would be more efficient, and insecurity could be better addressed.”
Ibeto stressed that the demand for state creation should not be interpreted as a political favour but as a constitutional necessity to strengthen national unity and enhance development.
He argued that creating smaller, more manageable states like Kainji would deepen democratic engagement, bring governance closer to the people, and accelerate development at the grassroots level.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain urged the National Assembly to give serious consideration to memoranda submitted by various interest groups advocating for new states—especially in cases involving large and geographically challenging regions like Niger.
“This call is rooted in the principles of justice, equity, and fairness. It is time for restructuring to reflect the realities and needs of our people,” he said.
