Senate President Godswill Akpabio Confirms Legislative Support for Creation of Anioma State and Redesignation of Warri as Delta Capital

Senate President Akpabio reveals plans for Anioma State with Asaba as capital, while Warri is set to become the new administrative hub for Delta State.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 6:50 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

Legislative Momentum for Regional Restructuring

The push for the establishment of Anioma State has reached a critical political milestone with the formal endorsement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Speaking at a zonal conference in Delta State, Akpabio confirmed that the executive and legislative arms are aligned in their support for the restructuring initiative. This development is framed as a strategic move to enhance administrative efficiency and address long-standing aspirations for balanced regional growth within the south-south geopolitical zone. According to Akpabio, the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains dedicated to seeing this proposal through as part of a broader commitment to equitable development.

Strategic Justification and Historical Context

The agitation for Anioma is described by the Senate President as a historically justified movement rooted in the principles of social justice. The initiative, which has been consistently championed by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North, is now positioned as a priority for the 10th Senate. Akpabio noted that the creation of a new state would cater to the unique socio-economic needs of the constituent communities while promoting decentralization. By splitting the current Delta State into two distinct entities, the government aims to create more manageable administrative units that can better respond to local developmental challenges.

Designating New Administrative Capitals

Under the proposed restructuring, Asaba is slated to remain the capital of the newly formed Anioma State, while Warri is set to be designated as the capital of the restructured Delta State. Akpabio highlighted that Warri is uniquely qualified for this role due to its existing high-level infrastructure. The city already hosts a functional airport, a major seaport, a stadium, and numerous government offices. Furthermore, the presence of major international oil companies in Warri provides a ready economic base for the city to function as a primary administrative hub for the remaining coastal territory.