The Nupe in Niger, Kwara and Kogi states on Wednesday called on the National Assembly to create a state for them, to be known as Ndaduma. Their Spokesman, Prof Shehu Bida, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bida, Niger, that the demand, if met, would give the Nupe a sense of belonging in Nigeria. Bida said the demand was realistic because the state, if created, would be economically viable. He said the demand should be given positive response in view of the area's ''massive contribution'' to the growth of the country's economy.

Bida said the area was supporting the economic growth of Nigeria because some of the nation's giant power plants were located there. He also said that the people clamouring for the new state had been working on the idea for the past 20 years.  On roads, Bida called on the Federal Government to dualise major roads in the area inhabited by Nupe-speaking people.  He also demanded that an indigene of Niger state be appointed Minister of Power and Energy since the major power generation plantswere located in the state