Federalism in Nigeria refers to the devolution of self-governance from the central Federal Government to federated states that share sovereignty with it. This system originated with the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates by Sir Frederick Lord Lugard.
Pre-Independence and Early Post-Independence Federalism
Federalism is defined as a system of government in which power is shared between a central authority and component regions (states and local governments).
Early Developments
- In 1939, Governor Bernard Bourdillon laid the foundation for federalism by creating three provinces.
- His successor, Arthur Richards, enacted the Richards Constitution of 1946, formalizing regional governance.
- From 1901 to 1958, British colonial administration divided Nigeria into Northern and Southern regions, which evolved into three main regions.
Move Toward Self-Government
- Power began shifting to Nigerians as independence approached.
- Regional legislatures were established.
- After independence, Nigeria became a federation of three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern.
- In 1966, the Mid-Western Region was carved out of the Western Region, while Lagos operated as a quasi-fourth region.
The 1966 Coups and Federal Restructuring
Following the first military coup (January 1966) and a counter-coup (July 1966) that led to the assassination of Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria underwent structural changes:
New States Created in 1967
- Eastern Region → East-Central (Enugu), Rivers (Port Harcourt), South-Eastern (Calabar)
- Northern Region → Benue-Plateau (Jos), Kano, Kwara, North-Central (Kaduna), North-Eastern (Maiduguri), North-Western (Sokoto)
- Western Region → Western (Ibadan), Lagos (separated as a state)
These reforms aimed to weaken regional powers. However, the Eastern Region's attempt to secede as Biafra triggered the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
State Creation Timeline
1976
- Benue-Plateau → Benue and Plateau
- East-Central → Anambra and Imo
- North-Eastern → Bauchi, Borno, Gongola
- Western → Ogun, Ondo, Oyo
- Niger carved out of Sokoto
- Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) formed from Niger and Plateau
1987–1989
- Akwa Ibom split from Cross River
- Katsina split from Kaduna
1991–1996
- Abia split from Imo
- Bendel → Delta and Edo
- Enugu split from Anambra
- Gongola → Adamawa and Taraba
- Jigawa split from Kano
- Kebbi split from Sokoto
- Kogi formed from parts of Benue and Kwara
- Osun split from Oyo
- Yobe split from Borno
1996–Present
- Bayelsa split from Rivers
- Ebonyi formed from Abia and Enugu
- Ekiti split from Ondo
- Gombe split from Bauchi
- Nasarawa split from Plateau
- Zamfara split from Sokoto
Causes and Effects of Federalism in Nigeria
Causes
- Ethnic and tribal-based demands from sub-state groups.
- Perceived neglect or marginalization by dominant regional authorities.
- Calls for restructuring due to centralization of political and economic power in the federal government.
- Desire for autonomy, equitable resource control, and regional representation.
See Also
- Nigerian Civil War
- State creation in Nigeria
- Constitution of Nigeria
- Regionalism in Nigeria
References
(To be added upon citation of sources)