How Many States and Zones are in Nigeria?

Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a West African country known for its diverse culture, natural resources, and economic potential. As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria is divided into several administrative units, including states and zones. In this article, we will explore the number of states and zones in Nigeria, their significance, and how they are governed.

Introduction

Nigeria is divided into 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, which serves as the capital city. Each state is further divided into local government areas (LGAs), each of which is administered by a local government council. Additionally, the country is divided into six geopolitical zones, each made up of several states.

The Six Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria

The six geopolitical zones in Nigeria are North Central, North East, North West, South East, South-South, and South West. Each zone is made up of several states, as follows:

North Central Zone

The North Central zone is made up of the following states:

• Benue
• Kogi
• Kwara
• Nasarawa
• Niger
• Plateau
• Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja

North East Zone

The North East zone is made up of the following states:

• Adamawa
• Bauchi
• Borno
• Gombe
• Taraba
• Yobe

North West Zone

The North West zone is made up of the following states:

• Jigawa
• Kaduna
• Kano
• Katsina
• Kebbi
• Sokoto
• Zamfara

South East Zone

The South East zone is made up of the following states:

• Abia
• Anambra
• Ebonyi
• Enugu
• Imo

South-South Zone

The South-South zone is made up of the following states:

• Akwa Ibom
• Bayelsa
• Cross River
• Delta
• Edo
• Rivers

South West Zone

The South West zone is made up of the following states:

• Ekiti
• Lagos
• Ogun
• Ondo
• Osun
• Oyo

The Significance of the Geopolitical Zones in Nigeria

The geopolitical zones in Nigeria were created to promote unity, balance in development, and equality among the states. They were also created to reduce the concentration of power and resources in one region, and to encourage cooperation and collaboration among the states.

The zones are also significant in the distribution of political offices and resources in Nigeria. For instance, the presidency is usually rotated among the six geopolitical zones, to ensure that no region dominates the political landscape. Similarly, the distribution of resources such as oil revenue and federal appointments are usually based on the geopolitical zones.

The Number of States in Nigeria

As earlier mentioned, Nigeria is made up of 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Each state is governed by a governor, elected by the people, and a state house of assembly. The states are further divided into local government areas (LGAs), each of which is governed by a local government council.

Conclusion

In summary, Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones, each made up of several states. Their significance lies in promoting unity, balance in development, and equality among the states. The number of states in Nigeria is 36, and each state is governed by a governor and a state house of assembly.

FAQs

Q: Which state is the largest in Nigeria?
A: Niger State is the largest state in Nigeria by land area.

Q: How many local government areas are in Nigeria?
A: There are 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Q: How many senators does Nigeria have?
A: Nigeria has 109 senators, three from each of the 36 states and one from the FCT Abuja.

Q: How is the presidency rotated in Nigeria?
A: The presidency is rotated among the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

Q: How many geopolitical zones are in Nigeria?
A: Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones.