36

Nigeria currently has 36 states, but there is a proposal to increase this number to 67 by creating 31 additional states. Historically, Nigeria was not divided into states at the time of its independence in 1960. Instead, it was organized into three main regions: the Northern Region, the Western Region, and the Eastern Region, along with the Mid-Western Region.

The creation of states in Nigeria began in 1967 under the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon. Prior to this, Nigeria was divided into regions, which were remnants of the colonial era. The Northern Nigeria Protectorate, established by the British in 1900, covered much of what is now northern Nigeria, while the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Lagos Colony formed the southern part. In 1967, Gowon dissolved the regions and created 12 states. This marked the beginning of state creation in Nigeria, with subsequent military regimes continuing to divide existing states into new ones. For example, in 1976, seven new states were created, bringing the total to 19.

Over time, more states were created, reaching a total of 30 by 1991. In 1996, General Sani Abacha created six additional states, bringing the total to 36, where it remains toda. The historical division between the North and South Protectorates laid the groundwork for the regional and state divisions seen in modern Nigeria. The North-South divide has played a significant role in Nigeria’s political and administrative development, influencing how states were created and how power is distributed across the country. The recent proposal to create more states aims to address regional disparities and improve governance, but seems infeasible for practical implementation.

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