Administrative problems of state creation in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian Federal system is beset by a lot of complex challenges. One of such challenges is the
seemingly implacable and intractable agitation for the creation of new states. The study explores the
problems of state creation in Nigeria through a descriptive case study analysis of the politics of state
re-organization in Ekiti State. The study specifically focuses on three major administrative challenges of
state re-organization; namely revenue allocation, assets sharing and personnel administration. The
study finds that the new Ekiti State is troubled by a low level of internally generated revenue, political
corruption, over dependence on central statutory allocation etc. It also reveals that the problem of
assets sharing has fuelled protracted legal, political and administrative conflicts while personnel
administration problems undermine bureaucratic efficiency and effectiveness. The study raises
important questions about the desirability and viability of state re-organization in the Nigerian
federation.