The Ebonyi State House of Assembly has adopted a referendum to establish 12 additional Local Government Areas (LGAs), aiming to bring governance closer to the people and enhance service delivery.
With this decision, the number of LGAs in the state will rise from 13 to 25.
Lawmakers believe the expansion will help address developmental and economic challenges while correcting perceived imbalances in LGA distribution based on landmass and population density.
The resolution was unanimously approved during plenary at the State Legislative Complex, Nkaliki Road, Abakaliki.
The proposed LGAs include:
- Ikwo South and Ikwo North from Ikwo LGA
- Ekumenyi from Abakaliki LGA
- Ebyia from Izzi LGA
- Ndiagbo from Edda LGA
- Ishielu South from Ishielu LGA
- Akaeze, Ukaba, and Effium from Ivo, Onicha, and Ohaukwu LGAs
- Izzikworo, Amohai, and Imoha from Ezza-South, Ezza-North, and Afikpo LGAs
Once officially gazetted, these LGAs are expected to strengthen governance, alleviate economic hardship, and ensure more equitable resource distribution across the state.
The motion for adoption was moved by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Prince Nkemka Okoro-Onuma (Edda West Constituency), and seconded by Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu (Ikwo North Constituency).
Meanwhile, at the same plenary session, the House passed the first reading of a bill to establish the Ebonyi State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission.
