Akpabio Links Anioma State Backing to Warri as New Delta Capital

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has tied his support for creating Anioma State to relocating the Delta State capital from Asaba to Warri. This move turns a long-standing cultural demand into a high-stakes parliamentary negotiation. The plan would carve Anioma State out of the current Delta North district. Senator Ned Nwoko leads the bill in the National Assembly. If approved, Delta South and Central would form a separate entity with Warri as its capital. Warri’s oil and gas infrastructure makes it a compelling choice. The city hosts a major refinery and generates over 40% of Delta State’s internal revenue. By contrast, Asaba has seen recent budgetary investments but lacks comparable industrial heft. Despite the economic case, the constitutional path is steep. A local referendum, two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and approval by 24 state houses are required. No new state has cleared these hurdles since 1996, making the outcome far from certain.

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