Nigeria is a federal republic composed of 36 states and one federal capital territory. Each of the 36 states is a semi-autonomous political unit, also known as a federating unit, that shares powers with the Federal Government as outlined in the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Constitution. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is Nigeria’s capital territory, and the capital city of Abuja is located within it.
The FCT is not a state, but it is administered by elected officials who are overseen by the Federal Government, with an FCT supervising minister serving as the coordinator. Local Government Areas are subdivided into each state (LGAs). In Nigeria, there are 774 local governments. The 36 states are co-equal but not supreme under the Constitution because sovereignty is reserved for the Federal Government.
It is also well known that each state in the federation has its own unique characteristics and competitive advantages that set it apart from others. Aspects such as agriculture, culture, tradition, minerals, and natural resources lend credence to each state’s slogan.
Nigeria became a federal state in 1960, with three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. Furthermore, provinces that were left over from colonial and protectorate times remained in existence until 1976, when they were abolished. The Mid-Western Region was formed from the Western Region in 1963. By military decree in 1967, the regions were replaced by 12 states. During the Nigerian civil war, the Eastern Region attempted to secede as a nation called Biafra from 1967 to 1970. Seven new states were formed in 1976, bringing the total to 19.
In 1991, the Federal Capital Territory was established. Two new states were established in 1987, followed by nine more in 1991, bringing the total to 30. The most recent change occurred in 1996, resulting in the current number of 36 states.
State | Capital | Slogan |
---|---|---|
1. Abia | Umahia | God’s Own State |
2. Adamawa | Yola | Land of Beauty |
3. Akwa Ibom | Uyo | Land of Promise |
4. Anambra | Awka | Light of the Nation |
5. Bauchi | Bauchi | Pearl of Tourism |
6. Bayelsa | Yenagoa | Glory of all lands |
7. Benue | Makurdi | Food Basket of the Nation |
8. Borno | Maiduguri | Home of Peace |
9. Cross River | Calabar | The People’s Paradise |
10. Delta | Asaba | The Big Heart Ifeanyi Okowa |
11. Ebonyi | Abakaliki | Salt of the Nation |
12. Edo | Benin City | Heart Beat of Nigeria |
13. Ekiti | Ado – Ekiti | Land of Honour and Integrity |
14. Enugu | Enugu | Coal City State |
15. Gombe | Gombe | Jewel in the Savannah |
16. Imo | Owerri | Eastern Heartland |
17. Jigawa | Dutse | The New World |
18. Kaduna | Kaduna | Centre of Learning |
19. Kano | Kano | Centre of Commerce |
20. Katsina | Katsina | Home of Hospitality |
21. Kebbi | Birnin Kebbi | Land of Equity |
23. Kwara | Ilorin | State of Harmony |
24. Lagos | Ikeja | Centre of Excellence |
25. Nasarawa | Lafia | Home of Solid Minerals |
26. Niger | Minna | The Power State |
27. Ogun | Abeokuta | Gateway State |
28. Ondo | Akure | The Sunshine State |
29. Osun | Oshogbo | Land of Virtue |
30 Oyo | Ibadan | PaceSetter State |
31. Plateau | Jos | Home of Peace and Tourism |
32. Rivers | Port Harcourt | Treasure Base of the Nation |
33. Sokoto | Sokoto | Seat of the Caliphate |
34. Taraba | Jalingo | Nature’s Gift to the Nation |
35. Yobe | Damaturu | Pride of the Sahel |
36. Zamfara | Gusau | Farming is Our Pride |