For anyone wondering about Nigeria's administrative structure, the country currently comprises 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This configuration represents the culmination of decades of political evolution since independence in 1960.
The Historical Journey to 36 States
Nigeria's path to its current 36-state structure didn't happen overnight. At independence in 1960, the country operated with just three regions. The first major restructuring occurred in 1967 when General Yakubu Gowon created 12 states, effectively dismantling the old regional system.
Subsequent military administrations continued this process of state creation. The country moved to 19 states in 1976, 21 states in 1987, 30 states in 1991, and finally reached the current 36 states in 1996 under General Sani Abacha's regime.
Many Nigerians recall the excitement surrounding state creation exercises. Elders often share stories of celebrations in the streets as people anticipated having governance brought closer to their communities. The primary objectives behind creating new states included promoting development at grassroots levels and reducing ethnic tensions.
Complete Breakdown of Nigeria's Geopolitical Zones
Nigeria organizes its 36 states into six distinct geopolitical zones, each with unique characteristics:
North-Central (Middle Belt): Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, and FCT Abuja. This zone serves as a cultural bridge between Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north and Christian south.
North-East: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe. Despite security challenges, this region demonstrates remarkable resilience among its people.
North-West: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. Kano stands out as a major commercial hub with centuries of trading history.
South-East: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. These five states contribute significantly to Nigeria's economy through commerce and industry.
South-South: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers. This region produces the bulk of Nigeria's oil wealth.
South-West: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo. Lagos State alone boasts an economy that rivals some African countries.
Key Facts About Nigerian States
Largest State by Land Area: Niger State covers approximately 76,363 square kilometers, roughly the size of Scotland. Borno State follows with 70,898 square kilometers, and Taraba State ranks third with 54,473 square kilometers.
Richest State Economically: Lagos State generates over ₦651 billion in internally generated revenue (2023), exceeding the combined revenue of the next three highest-earning states. Rivers State ranks second, followed by Ogun, Delta, Kano, and Kaduna States.
Most Populous State: Lagos State leads with estimated population figures ranging between 15-20 million people, making it one of Africa's fastest-growing megacities.
Smallest State by Land Area: Despite its economic dominance, Lagos State covers only 3,577 square kilometers, demonstrating that geographical size doesn't determine economic importance.
Understanding the Federal Capital Territory
Although sometimes mistakenly counted as a 37th state, Abuja functions as the Federal Capital Territory under direct federal administration. Unlike states with elected governors, the FCT reports to a Minister appointed by the President. However, it operates with similar administrative powers in many respects.
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria officially recognizes the 36-state structure. Each state maintains its own governor, state assembly, judiciary, and civil service, exercising considerable autonomy in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
Future of State Creation in Nigeria
The National Assembly holds constitutional authority to create new states, though no creations have occurred since 1996. The process requires a two-thirds majority vote in parliament and approval through referendums in affected areas.
Recent reports indicate that 46 formal requests for new states have been submitted to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review. Particularly notable is the South-East zone's current five states compared to other zones having six or seven, fueling ongoing debates about equitable representation.
Whether Nigeria maintains its 36-state structure or creates additional states remains subject to ongoing national conversation about optimal governance, administrative costs, and regional representation.
