The Trajectory of State creation in Nigeria: 1967 to Current Agitations
BY Markus Njidda Uba, JP, FWACN, CPDM, DrFiGPCM
THE NIGERIAN POLITY
Geography and climate of Nigeria is rich and vary with region and topography. Located in West Africa, bordering the Gulf of Guinea, between Benin and Cameroon. It has a diverse geography, with a tropical climate, and a total area of approximately 923,768 square kilometers.
Nigeria has a diverse population and ethnic groups with over 200 million people, with more than 250 ethnic groups. The three main ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo.
Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, with a GDP of over $240 billion. The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and minerals. However, the economy is heavily dependent on oil exports, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices.
The history and Politics of the country is interesting. Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, was the first Nigerian Governor–General of Nigeria (1960–1963), and also the first President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1963–1966. The country has experienced several military coups and periods of military rule. In 1999, Nigeria transitioned to democracy, with Olusegun Obasanjo, emerging as the third president after Shehu Shagari the second democratically elected president in 1979. President Umaru Musa Yardua elected 2007 until his death in May 2010 and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan were all elected.
The current president Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to office in 2023.
Nigeria faces several challenges, including:
1. Security threats: Insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping almost in every region. Forceful drive for resource control in the South-south, Bokoharam and ISIWAP insurgency with fuzzy agenda in the Northeast, Ethnic and crime rife armed banditry in the Northwest and armed cessations of Biafra movement in the Southeast. Kidnap for ransom and farmer herder clashes are diffuse.
2. Economic inequality: Wide gap between the rich and the poor.
3. Corruption: Widespread corruption in government and public institutions.
4. Infrastructure deficits: Inadequate infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water supply.
5. Health challenges: High rates of maternal and child mortality, malaria, and other infectious diseases.
However, despite these challenges Nigeria has immense untapped opportunities for growth and development, including:
1. Large market: Nigeria has a large and growing market, with a young and entrepreneurial population.
2. Natural resources: The country is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals.
3. Agricultural potential: Nigeria has significant agricultural potential, with a favorable climate and soil conditions.
4. Cultural diversity: Nigeria’s cultural diversity is a strength, with a rich heritage of music, art, and literature.
NIGERIA TODAY
The Nigerian polity today is a complex and multifaceted entity, shaped by the country’s history, culture, and geography. At its core, Nigeria is a nation-state, comprising over 250 ethnic groups, each with their own distinct identity and interests
1. This diversity has given rise to a polity characterized by ethnicity, religiousity ,and regionalism. The federal character principle, introduced to promote inclusivity and representation, aims to ensure that government appointments and resources are distributed fairly across different ethnic and regional groups
2. However, the implementation of this principle has been imperfect, and ethnic rivalries and tensions persist. The dominance of certain ethnic groups in government and the economy has led to feelings of marginalization and exclusion among others.
Furthermore, Nigeria’s polity is also marked by corruption and patronage. The country’s oil wealth has created opportunities for corruption and rent-seeking, which have undermined the effectiveness of institutions and the rule of law.
Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s polity remains dynamic and resilient. The country has made significant progress in consolidating democracy and promoting economic growth, and there are ongoing efforts to address the underlying structural issues that have hindered development
3 Overall, the character of the Nigerian polity is complex and multifaceted, reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and its ongoing struggles with ethnicity, corruption, and development.
STATE CREATION IN NIGERIA: 1967 TO CURRENT AGITATIONS
Nigeria’s state creation history is quite fascinating, as it has been entirely the edicts of Generals. Military Heads of State spearheaded the curving out of Sub national governance units in Nigeria. They can better be described as skewed than random, it obviously has been a decision of top few, with minimal citizen engagement and involvement in the process.
Prior to 1967, the country was divided into three main regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. However, this changed when General Yakubu Gowon created 12 states on May 27, 1967, to replace the regional arrangement.
Over the years, subsequent military rulers continued to create more states, breakdown of states that emerged are:
General Murtala Muhammed : Created 7 new states, in 1976 bringing the total to 19. Ibrahim Babangida ; added 2 new states, Akwa Ibom and Katsinain 1987, again Ibrahim Babangida Created 9 additional states, bringing the total to 30 in 1991
General Sani Abacha Created 6 more states, bringing the total to 36, in 1996, the current number of states in Nigeria.
It’s worth noting that there have been proposals to create additional states. For instance, in 2021, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review proposed the creation of 23 new states. However, these proposals are still under consideration and have not yet been implemented.
LIST OF STATES CREATED 1967 TO DATE
General Yakubu Gowon 12 states
The 12 states created in Nigeria by General Yakubu Gowon on May 27, 1967, along with their capitals and Military administrators are;
Bendel State: Colonel Samuel Ogbemudia
Benue-Plateau State: Jos-Police Commissioner Joseph Gomwalk
Cross River State: Calabar-Colonel Udoakaha Jacob Esuene
East Central State (Eastern): Enugu- Colonel Chukwuemeka Ojukwu
North Central State: Kaduna -Brigadier Abba Kyari
Kano State: Kano -Colonel Sanni Bello
Kwara State: Ilorin- Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo
Lagos State: Lagos- Colonel Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson
Northeastern State: Maiduguri- Colonel Musa Usman
Northwestern State: Sokoto-Police Commissioner Usman Faruk
Rivers State: Port Harcourt-Lieutenant Commander Papayere Diette-Spiff
Western State: Ibadan -Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo
Murtala Muhammed created Seven (7) new states on February 3, 1976, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria to 19 at that time.
Bauchi State: Bauchi
Benue State: Makurdi
Borno State: Maiduguri
Imo State: Owerri
Niger State: Minna
Ogun State: Abeokuta
Ondo State: Akure
Ibrahim Babangida (1987); added two (2) new states,
1 Akwa Ibom, Uyo
2. Katsina, Katsina
Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1991 created Nine (9) additional states, bringing the total to Thirty (30). The states are;
1. Abia State- Umuahia
2. Adamawa State – Yola
3. Akwa Ibom State: (from Cross River State) – Uyo
4. Delta State: (from Bendel State) – Asaba
5. Enugu State:- Enugu
6. Jigawa State: ( from Kano State) – Dutse
7. Kebbi State: ( from Sokoto State) – Birnin Kebbi
8. Kogi State: ( from Kwara and Benue States) – Lokoja
9. Osun State: (from Oyo State) – Osogbo
10. Taraba State: (from Gongola State) – Jalingo
11. Yobe State : (from Borno State) – Damaturu
General Sani Abacha Created Six (6) more states, on October 1, 1996 bringing the total to Thirty Six (36)
1. Bayelsa State: ( from Rivers State) – Yenagoa
2. Ebonyi State ( from Abia and Enugu States) – Abakaliki
3. Ekiti State ( from Ondo State) – Ado Ekiti
4. Gombe State ( from Bauchi State) – Gombe
5. Nassarawa State (from Plateau State) – Lafia
6. Zamfara State ( from Sokoto State) – Gusau
Democracy and State Creation in Nigeria.
Democratically elected government attempts at state creation in Nigeria have been limited. Since the return to democracy in 1999, there have been no successful attempts to create new states. The last state creation exercise was in 1996, during the military regime of General Sani Abacha, which brought the total number of states to 36 4
The 1999 Constitution of Nigerians provides for the creation of new states, but this can only be done through a national referendum and the approval of the National Assembly. Despite several attempts and proposals, no new states have been created under a democratically elected government.²
Rationally, some citizens have argued that the creation of new states could help to address issues of marginalization and inequality, while others raised concerns about the potential economic and administrative implications.
However, administrative costs, excesses and shortages can be easily handled by policies, rather than inequalities induced discrimination, exclusions, oppression and marginalization of minorities using weapons of power. Self-determination spaces are potent at ensuring an enduring inclusivity, than mere policy.
Moreover, the enormity of wastages and leakages caused by corruption are much higher, unlike creation of states. Few corrupt hands can destroy huge amounts of resources of a nation. It does not take many to waste any good thing, few foolish hands are adequate.
The Democratic Process of State Creation in Nigeria
The democratic process of state creation in Nigeria is outlined in Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution. It’s a multi-step process that involves various stakeholders and requires a high level of consensus.8
1. Initiation: The process begins with a request, supported by at least two-thirds the majority of members representing the area demanding the creation of the new state, in each of the following:
The Senate and the House of Representatives
The House of Assembly in respect of the area
The local government councils in respect of the area
2. Referendum: If the request is approved, a referendum is conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to gauge the support of the people in the affected area. The proposal must be approved by at least two-thirds majority of the people.
3. National Assembly Approval: If the referendum is successful, the proposal is sent to the National Assembly for approval. A simple majority of all the states of the federation, supported by a simple majority of members of the Houses of Assembly, is required.
4. Final Approval: Finally, the proposal must be approved by a resolution passed by two-thirds majority of members of each House of the National Assembly.
This process ensures that the creation of new states is a deliberate and inclusive process that takes into account the interests and concerns of various stakeholders.
However, as good and participatory as this four(4) step herculean process might look, the two third majority deciders are also the majority oppressors from whom most minority agitators for state creation desire some space to breath in self-determination and self-actualization.
The pre-colonial and colonial master reinforced powerful oligarchs and monarchs that keep the gates holding the people for the politicians are at the entrance into the state creation chamber as well.
WHY DO NIGERIANS AGITATE FOR STATE CREATION?
Nigerians actively push for state creation for several reasons, primarily driven by a desire for better representation, economic benefits, and administrative efficiency. The country’s current 36-state structure has been in place since 1996, but many feel that it doesn’t adequately address the needs of various ethnic and regional groups9
One of the main reasons for the agitation is the imbalance in state distribution. For instance, the South-South geo-political zone has five states, while the North-West has seven. This disparity has led to feelings of marginalization and exclusion among certain groups.
Additionally, economic development is a significant factor used to advance the argument. Proponents of state creation argue that new states would facilitate infrastructural and human capacity development in neglected areas. They also believe that federal allocations could be shared with the new states based on their population.
Job creation and leadership opportunities are also cited as benefits of state creation. New states would provide opportunities for a new set of leaders to emerge and contribute positively to job creation, distributive and other aspects of development.
However, critics argue that creating new states would exacerbate economic challenges, as some existing states already struggle to survive without financial bailouts from the Federal Government.
Despite these concerns, the agitation for state creation continues, with various groups and regions demanding the creation of new states to address their unique needs and challenges.
THE CURRENT AGITATIONS FOR STATE CREATION
The ongoing state creation agitations in Nigeria are driven by various ethnic and regional groups seeking better representation, economic benefits, and administrative efficiency. The current 36-state structure has been in place since 1996, but demands for more states continue to grow.4
One of the regions at the forefront of these agitations is the Southeast, which feels marginalized due to having fewer states compared to other regions5. Senator Chukwuka Utazi has suggested that granting the Southeast one additional state would address their concerns, while also proposing a broader adjustment to ensure fairness across all regions. Hence the push for additional states in the Southeast, to address the region’s concerns and bring parity with other regions. State creation in other regions like North East to address economic, ethnic, and administrative considerations.
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review has received proposals for the creation of 31 new states, which would bring the total number of states to 67. However, critics argue that while state creation has brought administration closer to the people, it has also contributed to economic dependency on the federal government. As 6observed “The line of demarcation between politics and power has, therefore, been erased as state power equals wealth and wealth the pathway to power.”
Apparently, Nigerian politicians have used everything in our rich diverse nation for inordinate and selfish pursuits of power in good, bad and evil ways with high propensity for breeding non democratic governance, discrimination and dissatisfaction in the polity. The proposed Thirty one (31) new states include:7
NORTH-CENTRAL
BENUE ALA STATE from Benue State.
OKUN STATE from Kogi State
OKURA STATE from Kogi State
CONFLUENCE STATE from Kogi State
APA-AGBA STATE from Benue South Senatorial District
APA STATE from Benue State.
A 37th state, to name FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA
NORTH-EAST
AMANA STATE from Adamawa State.
KATAGUM STATE from Bauchi State.
SAVANNAH STATE from Borno State.
MURI STATE from Taraba State.
NORTH-WEST
NEW KADUNA STATE from Kaduna State
GURARA STATE from Kaduna State.
TIGA STATE from Kano State.
KAINJI STATE from Kebbi State.
GHARI STATE from Kano State
SOUTH-EAST
ETITI STATE South East geopolitical zone.
ADADA STATE from Enugu State.
URASHI STATE from South East geopolitical zone.
ORLU STATE from di South Eastern Region of Nigeria.
ABA STATE from the South Eastern Region of Nigeria.
SOUTH-SOUTH
OGOJA STATE from Cross River State.
WARRI STATE from Delta State.
BORI STATE from Rivers State.
OBOLO STATE from Rivers and Akwa Ibom States.
SOUTH-WEST
TORU-EBE STATE from Delta, Edo, and Ondo States.
IBADAN STATE from Oyo State.
LAGOON STATE from Lagos State.
IJEBU STATE from Ogun State.
OKE-OGUN from Ogun State
IFE-IJESHA from Oyo, and Osun states.
CONCLUSION
States created in Nigeria from 1967 to 1996 were dictated, not formed by democratic process and participation. The debate on state creation is an ongoing one in Nigeria, with various stakeholders weighing in on the issues, challenges, and prospects of restructuring the country. There is need to create more state from the yearnings of marginalized communities that meets the criteria. The end to these agitations are not foreseeable, until we are able to harness our national diversity into wealth. The politicians, oligarchs and monarchs with sense of entitlements to people’s opinion are still at the gate, most likely with self-centred interests.
References
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Africa-Press – Nigeria :Is the Agitation for the Creation of New States in Nigeria a Better Option for Development or Political Gain?By Abba Hamisu Sani, Africa-Press – Nigeria 2025 , 02 17 https://www.africa-press.net/nigeria/policy/is-the-agitation-for-the-creation-of-new-states-in-nigeria
