User:Unschool/SandboxNigeria

Evolution of Nigerian states

Date	Events	Map
1960-1963	At the time of independence in 1960, Nigeria was a Federal State of three Regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. Additionally, provinces, which were a legacy of colonial times, remained extant until they were abolished in 1976.
1963-1967	In 1963, two provinces were detached from the Western Region to form the new Mid-Western Region.
1967-1976	In 1967, the regions were replaced by 12 states due to a military decree; only the former Mid-Western Region escaped division, and formed a single state following the restructuring. From 1967 to 1970 the areas of Mid-Western State and the Eastern Region attempted to secede, as a nation called Biafra during the Nigerian civil war.
1976-1987	In 1976, seven new states were created, making 19 altogether.
1987-1991	During this period, there were 21 states and later, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
1991-1996	During this period, there were 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Federal Capital Territory was established in 1991. In 1987 two new states were established, followed by another nine in 1991, bringing the total to 30. The latest change, in 1996, resulted in the present number of 36 states.