Amana State Movement Cites Historical Promises and Economic Potential in Public Hearing.

Amana State Movement Cites Historical Promises and Economic Potential in Public Hearing.

 The Movement for the Creation of Amana State made a compelling case for its proposed state at a public hearing held by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 22, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. Alhaji Sali Bello, the Director General of the movement, delivered an address that highlighted both historical and economic justifications for the new state.

Alhaji Bello, who also holds the traditional title of Dan Amar Mubi, opened his address by invoking the concept of "trust". He reminded the lawmakers that the people of the proposed Amana State joined Nigeria through a plebiscite in 1961 as a "Trust Territory." According to Bello, two key promises were made to them by the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto: that they would maintain autonomy as a sub-national entity and that their capital, Mubi, would be on equal footing with cities like Kano and Katsina. He argued that these promises have "largely and regrettably" remained unfulfilled.

A Strong Case Based on Facts and Figures

Beyond historical grievances, Alhaji Bello presented a strong, data-driven argument for the creation of Amana State. He noted that the proposed area has a landmass of 6,919 square kilometers, which is equivalent to two existing states and larger than four others. The area boasts a projected population of 3.239 million people and could support up to 20 local government areas, based on its current development areas and the inclusion of the Uba Emirate from Borno State. The region also includes three Emirates and two Chiefdoms, which are larger than similar structures in other parts of the country.

Economically, Bello stated that the proposed Amana State is a powerhouse. He asserted that over 60% of Adamawa State's current GDP of N2.66 trillion comes from economic activities within the areas that would make up Amana State. When the Uba Chiefdom is included, the region’s GDP would surpass that of more than half of Nigeria's existing states. He likened Mubi, the proposed capital, to Lagos, calling it the "economic melting pot" of Adamawa State, with a bustling trade in goods and animals that attracts patronage from across Nigeria and neighboring countries.

Rich in Resources and Infrastructure

Alhaji Bello also highlighted the abundant resources and social infrastructure within the proposed state. He mentioned a Federal University of Agriculture, a State University, a Federal Polytechnic, and a Federal Medical Center. The region is predominantly agrarian, rich in both cash and food crops, and home to the Mubi cattle market, which is considered one of the largest in West Africa. He also noted significant untapped solid mineral deposits, including uranium, and confidently stated that Amana State has the potential to be self-reliant in both human capacity and economic development.

Alhaji Bello concluded his address by urging the House of Representatives to consider the request on its own merit, citing that all criteria for state creation have been met. He also implored them to "erase the burden of trust hanging on the Nigerian state" by fulfilling the solemn promise made decades ago.