Abstract

Femi Omotoso

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.