Campaign for Anioma State to Join South-East Zone Intensifies

By James Adamu

A campaign for the creation of a new state in south-eastern Nigeria has intensified, with a prominent group renewing its demand for the formation of Anioma State.

The group, under the umbrella of Anioma State Creation Movement, has reiterated its call for the new state to be included in Nigeria’s South-East geopolitical zone, arguing it would add “real value” to the region.

In a statement signed by its Media Director, Tonnie Oganah, the group said the proposed state would contribute both human and infrastructural strength. It also confirmed that the proposed capital would be Asaba, a city it says already possesses the facilities required to function effectively.

“Asaba is already a going concern with a modern and fully functional international airport, a state-of-the-art secretariat, commissioners’ quarters, high courts, magistrate and customary courts, judges’ quarters, several universities and higher institutions, tarred roads, shopping malls, banks, hospitals, a film village, and federal institutions,” Mr Oganah said.

He explained that this existing infrastructure meant the creation of Anioma State would save both time and resources, as the essential framework for governance was already in place.

The group’s proposal highlights significant economic prospects for the wider region. Mr Oganah noted that Anioma would contribute over 6,400 square kilometres of dry land to the South East—an area the region currently lacks—as well as several rivers and railway lines that could boost trade and connectivity.

He added that the proposed state would bring in an additional population of over two million people and contribute oil and gas resources to the South-East economy, complementing existing production in Abia and Imo states.

“With Anioma’s oil and gas deposits, the South-East economy will experience a boom and crime will naturally reduce. If the Asaba end of the River Niger is dredged to accommodate bigger ships, business will thrive even more,” he said.

Beyond economics, the movement argues that the inclusion of Anioma would help address demographic pressures in other parts of the country. The group suggests it would help decongest overcrowded cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt, as more Igbo people would be encouraged to return home to explore new opportunities.

Mr Oganah maintained that the cultural and linguistic similarities between Anioma and other South-East states would foster greater unity and development.

“Anioma’s addition will make the South East Nigeria’s most harmonious zone since our language is largely Igbo and our culture is similar. We will also bring optimum human capital development and vast arable land suitable for agriculture,” he said.

He also pointed out that the area experiences less erosion compared to many parts of the South East, presenting another advantage.

A central part of the group’s argument revolves around political representation and federal funding. The movement noted that the South East currently has only 95 local government areas out of Nigeria’s 774 — the lowest among the six geopolitical zones.

Mr Oganah said the creation of Anioma State would increase the number of local governments in the region, ensuring a fairer share of federal allocations.

“Since revenue in Nigeria is shared based on the number of local governments and states, Anioma will help bring more funds to the South East for the development of the Igbo nation across the 13 states where Igbos are domiciled,” he explained.

Supporters of the Anioma cause believe the move would not only address perceived political imbalances but also stimulate economic growth and regional stability in the South East.