Federalism in Nigeria

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Federalism in Nigeria refers to the devolution of self-governance by the West African nation of Nigeria to its federated states, who share sovereignty with the Federal Government.

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Federalism in Nigeria can be traced to Sir Frederick Lord Lugard, when the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated in 1914.

Before and right after independence

Federalism is a system of government in which governmental powers that exists in a country are shared between central government and component region. It is also defined as the system of government in which governmental powers are shared between the component units and the central government, i.e. the federal government and its components (state and local government).

Bernard Bourdillon the Governor-general at that time initiated and laid the foundation of federalism in Nigeria in 1939 by creating three provinces. He later handed over the constitution to his successor Arthur Richards and it became the Richards Constitution of 1946. At the beginning of formal British indirect rule in 1901, Nigeria was divided into two regions: Northern and Southern, both of which were divided into provinces. From 1901 to 1958, the number of regions was increased to three through both acquisition of territories and partition from existing provinces. However, while native-born chiefs and clerks were appointed to govern the provinces, the regions were governed by the British-appointed colonial authorities. Such regions were made dependent upon the colonial authorities for martial law, manpower and management of resources.

With the approach of independence, power over the regions was given to Nigerian-born citizens, and regional legislatures were established. By the time that Nigeria had declared itself a republic and replaced the post of Governor-General with the post of President, a national bicameral parliament was established and the country was considered a federation of the three regions. The Mid-Western Region was formed from the Western Region in 1966, and Lagos, the capital, was effectively governed as an unofficial fourth region outside the bounds of the Western Region.

First coup, counter-coup and the new states

After the first coup and under the short-lived military government of Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria was reorganized under a central government. Following the counter-coup which resulted in Aguiyi-Ironsi's deposition and assassination, Nigeria was reorganized as a federal country, with three of the regions being divided into newer entities and all first-level subdivisions being renamed as states:

the states of former Eastern Region made a bid to secede from Nigeria as the states of Biafra and Republic of Benin, resulting in the Nigerian Civil War.

1976

In 1976, six years after the end of the civil war, the states were further reorganized:

State boundaries and names were also reorganized.

1987/1989

States of Nigeria from 1987-1991 Nigeria states 1987-1991.png
States of Nigeria from 1987-1991

1991-1996

States of Nigeria from 1991-1996 Nigeria 1991-1996.png
States of Nigeria from 1991-1996

1996-present

Causes for, and effects of federalism

Causes for federalism

The demand for the creation of newer states in Nigeria tends to emanate from sub-state groups, often ethnic- or tribal-interest groups, which accuse the current larger state governments of subverting or ignoring the interests and necessities of the more local regions. Nigeria also has power politically and economically the states have said.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Northern Region, Nigeria</span> Former autonomous division within Nigeria

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Senate of Nigeria</span> Upper chamber of the Nigerian National Assembly

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Articles related to Nigeria include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Provinces of Nigeria</span>

The Provinces of Nigeria were administrative divisions in Nigeria, in use from 1900 to 1967 in Colonial Nigeria and shortly after independence. They were altered many times through their history. They were divided into divisions; some of these were further subdivided into native authorities. Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria were also sometimes known as the Northern Provinces or Southern Provinces respectively. Currently, Nigeria is a federation of 36 states.

The following lists events that happened during 2000 in Nigeria.

See also: Timeline of Nigerian history

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This article is about the particular significance of the year 2005 to Nigeria and its people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geopolitical zones of Nigeria</span> Major geopolitical division in modern Nigeria

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The following lists events that happened during 2007 in Nigeria.

The following lists events that happened during 2012 in Nigeria.

The following lists events that happened during 2016 in Nigeria.

Events in the year 2010 in Nigeria.

Events in the year 2017 in Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lists of Nigerian state governors</span>

Lists of Nigerian state governors cover the governors of states of Nigeria. The governor heads the executive branch of the state government, and can appoint people to the State Executive Council subject to the advice and consent of the State House of Assembly (Legislature). The lists include a list of current governors, lists by state, lists by period and a list of governors of former states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lists of villages in Nigeria</span>

Lists of villages in Nigeria organised by state:

In the Federal Republic of Nigeria, state executive councils are the highest formal governmental body in state governments headed by governors.

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