The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a federation of 36 states and 1 federal capital territory. Each of the 36 states is a semi-autonomous political unit otherwise called a federating unit that shares powers with the Federal Government as enumerated under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is the capital territory of Nigeria, and it is in this territory that the capital city of Abuja is located.

The FCT is not a state but it is administered by elected officials whom the Federal Government supervises with a supervising minister of FCT as the coordinator. Each state is subdivided into Local Government Areas (LGAs). There are 774 local governments in Nigeria. Under the Constitution, the 36 states are co-equal but not supreme because sovereignty resides with the Federal Government.

It is also a known fact that each state in the federation has its own peculiarities and competitive advantages, making them different from others. Peculiarities like agriculture, culture, tradition, minerals, and natural resources give credence to the slogan each state bears.

After her independence in 1960, Nigeria was a Federal State of three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. Additionally, provinces that were legacies of colonial and protectorate times remained extant until they were abolished in 1976. In 1963, the Mid-Western Region was created out of the Western Region. In 1967, the regions were replaced by 12 states by military decree. From 1967 to 1970, the Eastern Region attempted to secede as a nation called Biafra during the Nigerian civil war. In 1976, seven new states were created, making 19 altogether. The Federal Capital Territory was established in 1991, In 1987, two new states were established, followed by another nine in 1991, bringing the total to 30. The latest change was in 1996, resulting in the present number of 36 states.

JOIN NB ON SOCIAL MEDIA