States of Nigeria

From Freepedia

Nigeria is currently divided into 36 states and 1 territory.

Before and after independence in 1960, Nigeria was a federation of three Regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. In 1963, two provinces were detached from the Western Region to form the new Mid-Western Region. In 1967, the regions were replaced by 12 states; only the former Mid-Western Region escaped division, forming a single state under the reorganization. From 1967 to 1970 the areas of Mid-Western State and the Eastern Region attempted to secede, as Biafra. In 1976, 7 new states were created, making 19 altogether; the Federal Capital Territory (now called Abuja) was established also. In 1987 two new states were established, followed by another 10 in 1991, bringing the total to 31. The latest change, in 1996, resulted in the present number of 36 states.