The Anioma State Creation Movement has renewed calls for the creation of Anioma State, insisting that the proposed state offers more strategic, economic, and infrastructural advantages than any other state creation proposal from the South East.

In a statement issued by its Media Director, Chief (Barr.) Tonnie Oganah, the group argued that Anioma’s inclusion in the South East would add “real value” to the geopolitical zone by boosting its human capacity, infrastructure, and resource base.

Oganah said the proposed capital, Asaba, already meets the requirements of a modern state capital, noting that it has a functional international airport, a state-of-the-art secretariat, quarters for commissioners and judges, multiple higher institutions, extensive road networks, shopping malls, hospitals, and several federal institutions.

“Asaba is already a going concern. It saves the government the cost and time required to build a new state capital from scratch,” he said.

Economic and geographical advantages

Highlighting the proposed state’s economic value, Oganah said Anioma would contribute over 6,400 square kilometres of dry land to the South East—an area the region currently lacks—along with river networks and railway lines that could enhance trade and connectivity.

He noted that Anioma has a population of more than two million people and oil and gas deposits that would complement existing production in Abia and Imo states, potentially transforming the South East into a stronger economic bloc.

“With Anioma’s oil and gas, the South East economy will witness a boom. If the River Niger at Asaba is dredged to accommodate bigger vessels, commerce and industry will thrive, and youth unemployment and crime will drop significantly,” Oganah added.

Cultural unity and regional balance

The group maintained that Anioma’s inclusion would also promote cultural unity, as its people share linguistic and traditional similarities with other Igbo-speaking communities in the South East.

“Anioma’s addition will make the South East Nigeria’s most harmonious zone since our language and culture are largely Igbo. We also have vast arable land and experience less erosion compared to other parts of the region,” he said.

Oganah further noted that the South East currently has the lowest number of local government areas—95 out of 774—across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The creation of Anioma State, he said, would increase the number of local councils in the zone, thereby improving its share of federal allocations and representation.

“Since revenue distribution in Nigeria is based on the number of states and local governments, Anioma’s creation will bring more funds and fairness to the South East, aiding development across all Igbo communities,” he said.

Supporters of the movement believe Anioma State will not only correct political imbalances but also stimulate economic growth, enhance federal equity, and strengthen the South East’s socio-political influence within Nigeria.