Nigeria, Oct. 26 -- The Joint Committee of the National Assembly on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has approved the creation of an additional state in the South-east geopolitical zone, a move aimed at addressing long-standing agitation over the region's perceived marginalisation in Nigeria's political structure.

The decision, which, if ratified, will increase the number of states in the South-east from five to six, was reached during the committee's two-day retreat held in Lagos from 24 to 25 October.

The retreat was convened to consider wide-ranging proposals for constitutional amendments, including 55 separate requests for new states across the federation.

The South-east is currently the only geopolitical zone in Nigeria with fi...