An economist and Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, has said that Nigeria cannot sustain 36 states at present.

Rewane made this statement on Wednesday while responding to questions in an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

He argued that Nigeria spends excessively on administration.

“Nigeria cannot afford to have 36 states. It’s unviable. We spend too much money administering.

“This country is twice the size of California in terms of geographical space, and the number of people administering this country in terms of 774 local governments, 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Managing what?” he stated.

Speaking further, Rewane said: “Take for instance, the old Western region is now split into several states being managed by governors, commissioners, special assistants and the likes. I think you have to rethink to restructure, whether you will go back to regionalism or not.”