Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal Calls for State Creation Pause

On October 6, 2026, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal called for a suspension of the creation of new states, emphasizing the need to address the financial and administrative challenges faced by the current 36 states. During a media interaction in Gusau, part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Zamfara State, Lawal stated that existing states struggle to function effectively due to financial constraints.

He acknowledged that while state creation has historically improved governance and development, the current conditions differ significantly from those in 1996 when Zamfara was established. Lawal's comments come amid a constitutional review process that has received 56 requests for new states.

He argued that focusing on the development of existing states is crucial, citing Zamfara's growing profile in the solid minerals sector and a positive revenue trend, with total revenue increasing from N144.95 billion in 2023 to N315.53 billion in 2024. He stressed the importance of ensuring that existing states can meet the developmental expectations of their citizens.