Nigeria, Oct. 26 -- The National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review has approved the creation of six new states, one in each of Nigeria's geopolitical zones, as part of its resolution in the ongoing review of the nation's constitution.

If ratified, the number of states in the country will rise from 36 to 42, with the North-west having eight, and the North-east, North-central, South-west, and South-south having seven each, and the South-east six.

The decision was reached during a two-day retreat held in Lagos from Friday to Saturday.

The committee also resolved to establish a sub-committee to determine the specific areas from which the six new states will be created. Chief Whip of the Senate, Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North...