State Creation in Nigeria
What is State Creation?
State creation refers to the process of establishing new administrative regions or political units
within a country. In Nigeria, the creation of states involves dividing the country into smaller
political and administrative divisions with their own governments.
Reasons for State Creation in Nigeria
Several factors have influenced the creation of new states in Nigeria over the years. Some of
the key reasons include:
1. Ethnic and Cultural Balance:
The creation of states was often seen as a way to ensure that different ethnic groups
and cultures had their own representation and administrative autonomy.
2. Political Representation:
The demand for state creation has often been driven by the need for political
representation. People in underrepresented regions demanded new states to ensure
their interests were better represented at the national level.
3. Economic Development:
Creating new states was believed to facilitate faster and more efficient development of
local economies by ensuring that resources could be more easily allocated and
managed.
4. Reduce Ethnic Tension and Conflict:
Smaller states can reduce ethnic and regional tensions by providing more equitable
governance, allowing different groups to have a greater sense of political participation.
5. Access to Resources:
Some regions demanded new states to have greater control over natural resources and
federal funds, which could be allocated more equitably among states.
History and Timeline of State Creation in Nigeria
Nigeria's state creation process has evolved over the years. Below is a timeline showing key
events in the history of state creation in Nigeria:
Year Event
1914 Nigeria was amalgamated into one colony
by the British.
1954 The Lagos and Northern Protectorates
were merged. The first regions were created
(North, South, and West).
1963 Mid-Western Region was created, splitting
the Western Region.
1967 12 states were created by General Yakubu
Gowon during the Nigerian Civil War.
1976 19 states were created under General
Murtala Mohammed's administration.
1987 21 states were created by General Ibrahim
Babangida.
1991 30 states were created under the Babangida
administration.
1996 36 states were created by General Sani
Abacha.
Present Nigeria remains with 36 states and the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Benefits of State Creation in Nigeria
State creation in Nigeria has had numerous benefits, including:
1. Improved Governance and Administration:
Smaller states allow for more localized and efficient governance. It ensures that
administrative resources are more effectively distributed across regions.
2. Increased Political Representation:
The creation of new states has allowed smaller ethnic groups and regions to gain
greater political power and representation at the federal level.
3. Promotes Economic Development:
Smaller states can focus on their own economic development without waiting for distant
regions to make decisions. This can lead to better local infrastructure, education, and
healthcare.
4. Reduced Ethnic Tensions:
By creating states based on ethnic and regional identities, it has been possible to
reduce the level of ethnic competition for political power.
5. Access to Federal Resources:
More states means a more equitable distribution of the federal revenue to the states, as
resources are shared among the smaller political units.
Challenges of State Creation in Nigeria
While state creation has brought some positive outcomes, it also presents various challenges:
1. Over-Bureaucracy:
The creation of more states has resulted in a large number of state and local
government bureaucracies, which can be inefficient and costly to maintain.
2. Financial Strain:
With more states, the cost of governance has increased significantly. There are greater
demands on the federal government for funding, leading to fiscal challenges.
3. Inadequate Infrastructure:
Although the intention is to promote development, many new states face challenges in
infrastructure, such as roads, hospitals, and schools, due to limited resources.
4. Potential for New Conflicts:
While the creation of states aims to resolve ethnic and regional conflicts, it sometimes
creates new divisions, as some groups feel marginalized by the boundaries.
5. Resource Allocation Issues:
Smaller states may struggle to generate enough revenue to meet their needs. The
allocation of federal funds can sometimes lead to tension between states.
Evaluation Questions
1. What was the main reason for the creation of the Mid-Western Region in 1963?
2. How many states did Nigeria have in 1976?
3. Name two benefits of state creation in Nigeria.
4. What are the challenges faced by the new states in Nigeria?
5. Why do some regions demand the creation of new states?
6. Explain how state creation has influenced political representation in Nigeria.
Worksheet
Part A: Fill in the Blanks
1. The first states in Nigeria were created in the year _____________.
2. Nigeria had ________ states before the creation of the Mid-Western Region in 1963.
3. In 1996, the number of states in Nigeria became ____________.
4. One of the major challenges of state creation is the ___________ of resources.
5. The creation of new states helps to promote ___________ development.
Part B: Match the Column
Event Year
Creation of the Mid-Western Region ___
Nigeria had 12 states ___
Creation of 30 states ___
Nigeria had 36 states ___
Options:
A. 1963
B. 1976
C. 1991
D. 1996
Part C: True or False
1. State creation only benefits the larger ethnic groups in Nigeria. _______
2. The first states in Nigeria were created by the British government. _______
3. State creation has led to an increase in political representation for all ethnic groups.
_______
4. The creation of states has led to fewer administrative costs. _______
5. State creation aims to reduce regional and ethnic conflicts. _______
Part D: Short Answer
1. How does state creation affect governance and administration in Nigeria?
2. List three challenges that come with state creation in Nigeria.
3. Why is it important for Nigeria to have a good balance in the creation of states?
4. What role does the federal government play in state creation?
