State Creation in Nigeria 1976 Till Date – Basic 4 History Lesson Note (Second Term)

State creation is the splitting of existing states to form new ones, and it raised the number of Nigerian states from 19 in 1976 to 36 in 1996.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define state creation in Nigeria.
2. State the years, leaders and number of states created from 1976 to 1996.
3. Name some states created in each exercise, with their capitals.
4. Give reasons why more states were created.
5. List the positive and negative effects of state creation.
6. State the number of states, local government areas and zones in Nigeria today.

What is state creation?

State creation is the process by which the government divides a state or states to form new states.

• Start: General Yakubu Gowon created 12 states in 1967.
• Who created states: Nigeria’s military leaders created the states from 1976 to 1996.
• Purpose: to bring government closer to the people and give groups a fair share of power.
• Latest position: no new state has been created since 1996.

When were states created in Nigeria from 1976 to date?

Four state creation exercises took place after 1967, in 1976, 1987, 1991 and 1996.

Which states were created in each exercise?

Each exercise formed new states from older ones, and each new state has its own capital.

1976: states created by General Murtala Mohammed

• Number: 7 new states, raising the total from 12 to 19.
• Examples: the table shows some of the states formed.

1987: states created by General Ibrahim Babangida

• Number: 2 new states, raising the total to 21.

1991: states created by General Ibrahim Babangida

• Number: 9 new states, raising the total to 30.

1996: states created by General Sani Abacha

• Number: 6 new states, raising the total to 36.

Why were more states created?

More states were created to meet people’s demands, improve administration, spread development, balance power and keep Nigeria united.

Demands by people

• Local communities: asked for their own states.
• Petitions: were sent to the government.
• Ethnic minorities: wanted representation.
• Religious groups: sought recognition.

Better administration

• Large states: became too big to manage.
• Population: increased over time.
• Closer government: brings leaders nearer to the people.
• Services: were expected to improve.

Economic development

• Federal resources: would be shared more fairly.
• Jobs: more job opportunities would be created.
• Local development: would be encouraged.
• Investment: would be attracted to new areas.

Political balance

• Power: more groups would share political power.
• Tension: ethnic tensions would reduce.
• Leadership: more leadership positions would exist.
• Regions: representation would be better balanced.

National unity

• Groups: different groups would feel satisfied.
• Conflict: disputes would be prevented.
• Unity: Nigeria would stay together.
• Peace: harmony would be promoted.

What are the effects of state creation on Nigeria?

State creation has both positive and negative effects on Nigeria.

Positive effects

• Political development: more people take part in government and more offices are available.
• Economic growth: each state develops its resources, with more markets, business centres and jobs.
• Administrative efficiency: government is closer to the people, so services are faster.
• Social integration: ethnic conflicts reduce, and each state develops its culture.
• Education and health: more schools, universities and health facilities are built.

Negative effects

• High cost of governance: 36 governors, many government offices and many civil servants cost a lot.
• New minorities: some groups still feel left out and keep asking for more states.
• Weak financial base: many states depend on federal allocation and have low internal revenue.
• Duplication of efforts: similar projects in different states waste resources.

What is the current status of states in Nigeria?

Nigeria today has 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Evaluation

1. Fill in the blanks: General _______ created 7 states in 1976. Nigeria now has _______ states. The last states were created in _______ by General _______.
2. Write True or False: (a) Nigeria has 37 states today. (b) General Abacha created 6 states in 1996. (c) Civilian governments created all the states. (d) Bauchi State was created in 1976.
3. Match each state with its year: Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Ekiti. Choose from 1976, 1987, 1991 and 1996.
4. Which military leader created the most states: Murtala Mohammed, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha or Yakubu Gowon?
5. Give two reasons for creating more states, two positive effects and two negative effects.

Assignment

Copy and complete the table in your notebook, then name the state created from each of the following: Western State (1976, three states), Imo State (1991) and Rivers State (1996).

Answer key

1. Murtala Mohammed, 36, 1996, Sani Abacha.
2. (a) False, (b) True, (c) False, (d) True.
3. Ogun: 1976. Akwa Ibom: 1987. Abia: 1991. Ekiti: 1996.
4. Ibrahim Babangida, who created 11 states (2 in 1987 and 9 in 1991).
5. Reasons: people’s demands, better administration, political balance, national unity. Effects: any two from each list in the note.
6. Assignment table: 12, 7, 2, 9, 6 (the 1967 figure of 12 is the total created then). Ogun, Ondo and Oyo; Abia; Bayelsa.