ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s present 36-state structure emerged through five major restructuring exercises carried out between 1967 and 1996. Before the first exercise, the country was governed through regions rather than states.
Okay News reports that the changes were intended at different times to reduce regional dominance, respond to demands for representation and bring government closer to communities. No new state has been created since 1996.
This timeline explains how Nigeria moved from four regions to 12, 19, 21, 30 and finally 36 states. A separate guide lists every Nigerian state by creation date, capital and geopolitical zone.
Before 1967: Nigeria’s Four Regions
Immediately before the state system, Nigeria had the Northern, Eastern, Western and Mid-Western regions. Political and ethnic tensions, minority demands and the crisis that preceded the civil war shaped the move away from the regional arrangement.
1967: General Yakubu Gowon Creates 12 States
On 27 May 1967, the military government of General Yakubu Gowon replaced the four regions with 12 states: Benue-Plateau, East-Central, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, Mid-Western, North-Central, North-Eastern, North-Western, Rivers, South-Eastern and Western.
The exercise marked the beginning of Nigeria’s modern state system and weakened the political concentration of the former regions.
1976: Nigeria Expands From 12 to 19 States
On 3 February 1976, the government of General Murtala Mohammed created seven additional states, bringing the total to 19. The exercise produced Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun and Ondo, alongside boundary changes and renamed successor states within the new structure.
The Federal Capital Territory was also established in 1976. Abuja later replaced Lagos as Nigeria’s seat of government in 1991.
1987: Akwa Ibom and Katsina Raise the Total to 21
On 23 September 1987, the government of General Ibrahim Babangida created Akwa Ibom from Cross River and Katsina from Kaduna. Nigeria then had 21 states.
1991: Nigeria Reaches 30 States
On 27 August 1991, nine additional states were created, taking the federation from 21 to 30. The restructuring created Abia, Delta, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Osun, Taraba and Yobe. The division of Gongola and Bendel also meant that Adamawa and Edo took their present forms in the exercise.
1996: Six New States Bring Nigeria to 36
On 1 October 1996, the government of General Sani Abacha created Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara. The exercise established the 36-state structure Nigeria retains today.
Nigeria’s State-Creation Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Structure after exercise | Key change |
|---|---|---|
| 27 May 1967 | 12 states | Four regions replaced by states |
| 3 February 1976 | 19 states | Seven additional states and the FCT established |
| 23 September 1987 | 21 states | Akwa Ibom and Katsina created |
| 27 August 1991 | 30 states | Nine additional states created |
| 1 October 1996 | 36 states | Six additional states created |
Why Does Nigeria Still Have 36 States?
Successive constitutional amendment proposals have included demands for additional states, but creating a state requires extensive approval under Nigeria’s constitution. None of the proposals has completed that process. As of July 2026, Nigeria therefore remains a federation of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Readers can compare the timeline with the updated list of Nigeria’s 36 states, capitals and governors and the six geopolitical zones guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Nigeria’s first 12 states?
General Yakubu Gowon created the 12-state structure on 27 May 1967.
Who created Nigeria’s final six states?
General Sani Abacha created Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara on 1 October 1996.
When was the last state created in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s most recent state-creation exercise took place on 1 October 1996.
