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Ikiodiete George
- 2 Min Read
10 Oldest States In Nigeria & Their Founding Years
Nigeria’s political and administrative structure has evolved over the decades — from just three regions at independence to 36 states today. But which states came first? This article reveals the 10 oldest states in Nigeria, their founding years, and a bit of history behind their creation.
Brief History of State Creation in Nigeria
At independence in 1960, Nigeria had only three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. Over time, these were split to form new states, largely due to political, ethnic, and administrative factors. The first major state creation took place in 1967 under General Yakubu Gowon’s military regime.
List of the 10 Oldest Nigerian States & Their Founding Years
| Rank | State | Year Created | Remarks |
| 1 | Lagos | 1967 | Became a state after serving as Nigeria’s capital; now a commercial hub. |
| 2 | Kano | 1967 | One of the most populous and economically significant states. |
| 3 | Kaduna | 1967 | Former Northern region’s capital; a major administrative center. |
| 4 | Rivers | 1967 | Created to satisfy the demand for minority representation in the Niger Delta. |
| 5 | Cross River | 1967 | Known for its cultural diversity and tourism appeal. |
| 6 | North-Western State (now Sokoto) | 1967 | Later split into Sokoto and Kebbi; one of the original 12 states. |
| 7 | Western State (now Oyo, Osun, Ogun, etc.) | 1967 | One of the original 12, later subdivided into current southwestern states. |
| 8 | Eastern Central State (now Enugu, Ebonyi, etc.) | 1967 | Formed from the old Eastern Region, later split into smaller states. |
| 9 | Benue-Plateau (now Benue and Plateau) | 1967 | Initially one state before being divided in 1976. |
| 10 | Mid-Western State (now Edo and Delta) | 1963 | Created earlier than the rest in 1963 from the Western Region. |
Chronological Order of State Creation (First 12 States - 1967)
In 1967, Nigeria moved from 4 regions to 12 states under military rule. These states included:
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North-Western State
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North-Eastern State
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Kano
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North-Central State
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Kwara
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Benue-Plateau
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Western State
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Lagos
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Mid-Western State (already created in 1963)
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East Central State
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Rivers
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South-Eastern State
Many of these have since been split into newer states.
Why Were These States Created First?
| Reason | Impact |
| Political balance | To reduce regional dominance and tension among ethnic groups |
| Minority representation | Rivers and Cross River were created to represent ethnic minorities |
| Military control | States allowed for easier administration and control during military rule |
| Economic development | New states enabled better resource allocation and local governance |
States That Emerged from the Original 12
| Original State (1967) | Now Includes |
| Western State | Oyo, Ogun, Osun, parts of Ondo and Ekiti |
| North-Eastern State | Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa |
| Benue-Plateau | Benue and Plateau States |
| Eastern-Central State | Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi |
| North-Western State | Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara |
| Mid-Western State (1963) | Edo and Delta |
FAQs About Nigeria’s Oldest States
| Question | Answer |
| What is the oldest state in Nigeria? | Mid-Western State, created in 1963 (now Edo & Delta) |
| How many states did Nigeria have in 1967? | 12 states |
| Who created the first states in Nigeria? | General Yakubu Gowon in 1967 |
| Why was Lagos among the first states? | It was the capital of Nigeria and an economic center |
| What year did Nigeria move to 36 states? | 1996 |
Conclusion
The creation of the first states in Nigeria marked a turning point in the country’s governance structure. These earliest states laid the foundation for modern federalism and helped ease ethnic tensions. Understanding their origin gives us insight into Nigeria's political history and evolution as a diverse and united nation.
