Opinion: The Case for Katagum State – A Dream Worth Realizing
By Abdulwahab Muhammad
Once again, the call for the creation of Katagum State has re-emerged at the forefront of Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional amendment process — not as a nostalgic plea, but as a compelling argument rooted in history, equity, and developmental logic.
At the recent public hearing on constitutional review held in Maiduguri by the North-East Senate Committee, the long-standing demand for Katagum State came under renewed discussion. Representing the committee chairman, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Senator Muhammad Tahir Munguno reaffirmed the National Assembly’s openness to the voices of Nigerians. Among the loudest and most consistent of those voices was the one advocating for a new state from the northern region of Bauchi.
A Legacy of Consistency
The call for Katagum is not new. In fact, as noted by Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmad, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and chairman of the state creation committee, this dream dates back to 1985. Decades later, the vision remains alive — refined by time and powered by the resilience of a people who believe in the merits of self-determination within the Nigerian federation.
Alhaji Yayale makes it clear: the demand for Katagum is not an expression of discontent with Bauchi, but rather a bold step towards deepening federalism, improving governance, and accelerating development. According to him, Katagum has the population, resources, and institutional capacity to thrive as a state, even without federal handouts.
Political Consensus and Regional Unity
What makes this renewed push even more compelling is the unprecedented political consensus surrounding it. Senator Abdul Ahmad Ningi disclosed during the session that all three senators from Bauchi State support the move — a rare show of unity that speaks to the legitimacy and urgency of the cause.
The Maiduguri hearing was graced by a distinguished list of regional leaders including Senator Shehu Buba, Senator Baba Tela, Dr. Waziri Dogo Muhammad, Hon. Tijjani Aliyu, and others — reinforcing the fact that this is a collective aspiration, not a sectional demand.
More importantly, nine local government areas from northern Bauchi — Katagum, Jama’are, Itas/Gadau, Shira, Giade, Gamawa, Misau, Dambam, and Zaki — were all represented. So too were youth and women groups, adding grassroots legitimacy to the movement.
Development and Administrative Efficiency
At its core, the Katagum State agitation is about bringing governance closer to the people. A smaller, more localized administration would mean faster infrastructure rollout, better service delivery, and more inclusive development. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, state creation — if done rightly — can serve as a tool for balancing the federation and empowering previously marginalized zones.
The argument is not about division; it’s about development.
A Call for Fairness
Nigeria today operates with 36 states, some of which are smaller or less populous than the Katagum region. If states like Bayelsa, Gombe, Ebonyi, and Nasarawa can stand alone, why not Katagum? The North-East remains one of the least represented zones in terms of state creation. It is only just and equitable that voices from that axis — especially those as well-organized and historically grounded as Katagum — be heard and acted upon.
Conclusion
The renewed energy around the Katagum State proposal is a testament to the power of patience, persistence, and purposeful leadership. It is a movement grounded in fact, driven by unity, and guided by the hope for a better future.
As Nigeria continues its constitutional journey, the National Assembly must not ignore this clarion call. Katagum State is more than a request — it is a right, waiting to be recognized.
Abdulwahab Muhammad is a Bauchi-based journalist.
Email: abdulwahabmuhammad9@gmail.com
Phone: 08036179537, 08052541831