IDAH, Kogi State — Stakeholders at a consultative forum in Idah, Kogi State, have endorsed the restructuring proposals being championed by the Igala Group on Restructuring of the Nigerian Federation, while calling for the recognition of Ane Igala Region as the official name of the proposed region.
The stakeholders reached the resolutions during the Ane Igala Regional Consultative Forum held at the Royal Palace of the Ata Igala on September 20, 2026.
According to a 12-point communique issued after the meeting and signed by representatives of the organising group, participants expressed support for a restructuring model under which Nigeria would operate as the Federated Regions of Nigeria (FRN).
Stakeholders Affirm Ane Igala as Proposed Regional Name
The forum said its position followed a presentation by the leadership of the Igala Group on Restructuring outlining its proposals for the reorganisation of the Nigerian federation.
Participants also acknowledged what they described as the blessing and affirmation of the Ata-in-Council for the continued use of the name Ane Igala Region.
The development follows an earlier consultative process announced for Idah, where organisers said traditional rulers, community leaders, professionals, academics, youths and women would discuss the political, cultural and socio-economic future of the proposed region. The Bureau Journal previously reported on the Idah forum and its focus on the proposed Ane Igala Region.
Anambra, Enugu Delegates Assert Igala Identity
The forum also attracted representatives described in the communique as kith and kin from Anambra and Enugu states.
The delegates reportedly objected to being described merely as “Igala-speaking” communities, insisting that they are indigenous Igala people in the two states.
They asked that this distinction be reflected in future official references and correspondence concerning their communities.
The forum described the participation of the delegations as significant to its regional integration efforts and said it was encouraged by their stated interest in participating in the proposed Ane Igala Region.
Stakeholders Highlight Strategic Location
Participants at the meeting also drew attention to the geographical position of the proposed region, describing Ane Igala as centrally located and connected to different parts of Nigeria.
According to the communique, stakeholders considered the region’s geographical position a strategic asset that should be taken into account in discussions surrounding the proposed restructuring arrangement.
The forum further resolved that mechanisms should be developed for selecting political leaders in the proposed regional structure. It said prospective political office holders would be expected to meet agreed leadership criteria before taking up positions.
Kogi East Development Associations Pledge Support
The forum also highlighted grassroots mobilisation, with the leadership of the former 21 District Development Associations in Kogi East pledging to align with the Igala Group on Restructuring.
The associations also committed to helping communicate the group’s activities and outcomes to communities across the area.
Separately, The Bureau Journal has reported on development concerns in Kogi East, including stakeholder concerns over the distribution of AGILE and World Bank school projects across the district.
Group Points to Wider Restructuring Debate
The Idah resolutions come against the backdrop of a wider national debate over restructuring Nigeria’s federal system.
In August, the Concerned Citizens Assembly called for Nigeria to be reorganised into 17 autonomous regions, with Ane Igala listed among the proposed regions. The group said its proposal was aimed at devolving substantial powers from the Federal Government to the regions.
Other participants in the national restructuring debate have similarly proposed greater regional autonomy, fiscal federalism and the devolution of responsibilities. However, different groups have put forward varying regional configurations and approaches to boundaries, governance and revenue allocation.
The Ane Igala stakeholders’ position therefore forms part of a broader and still-developing national discussion rather than an established change to Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
Stakeholders Cite Human Resources for Regional Project
The forum commended the participation of its members in wider restructuring initiatives, including the recognition of two members at the national secretariat of The Rebirth Group.
It also noted the contribution of an Ane Igala member to the production of the Articles of Federation, which the forum said was being used as a template by other regions.
Participants viewed these developments as evidence, in their assessment, of the human resources available to support the proposed regional project.
Consultations to Continue Within Nigeria and Diaspora
The stakeholders resolved to continue consultations with members of the proposed region who have not yet been reached, including those living outside Nigeria.
According to the communique, the objective is to secure wider consent and participation from members of the proposed region both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Participants at the Idah meeting were also expected to register on the platform of the Ane Igala Group on Restructuring for subsequent activities.
Communique Signed by Igala Restructuring Leaders
The communique was signed in Idah on September 20 by Prof. Mrs. Lucy Jumeyi Ogbadu, National Coordinator; Alphonsus K. Alhassan, Secretary; Prof. Godwin H. Ogbadu, Member; and Amb. Ali Ocheni, General Secretary, CRN/TRG.
The Idah meeting is expected to form part of continuing consultations by the Igala Group on Restructuring as it seeks broader participation and support for its proposed regional framework.
For now, the proposal remains an advocacy position advanced by the participating stakeholders and would require broader political, constitutional and institutional processes before any restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system could take effect.
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