Geopolitical zones of Nigeria

A geopolitical zone is an administrative division of Nigeria. The six zones were created during the regime of president General Sani Abacha. Nigerian economic, political, and educational resources are often shared across the zones.[1][2][3][4][5][6]:98

The six geopolitical zones of Nigeria

Reason for the Zones

The six zones was not entirely carved out based on geographic location, but rather states with similar ethnic groups, and/or common political history were classified in the same zone. Nigeria is made up of approximately 400 ethnic groups and 450 languages. There was a need for the government to merge similar groups for effective allocation of resources.

Agitations for Constitutional Recognition

Many groups and individuals in Nigeria including the Afenifere Renewal Movement through its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, Ohaneze Ndigbo, its late Secretary General, Chief Ralph Uwechue and Ijaw National Congress through its National President, Mr. Joshua Benameisigha have canvassed that the current six zonal divisions be recognized in Nigeria's constitution and be strengthened to function as federating units in the new structure for Nigeria.[7]

According to Chief Nengi James, a Niger Delta activist, "for all sections of the country to become one entity, the geopolitical zones must be recognized in the constitution." These groups are pushing for devolution of powers so that the geopolitical zones become autonomous and manage the resources within their territories in a Federal Nigeria.[7]

Zones

References
  1. Federal Republic of, Nigeria (2010). Nigeria at 50: A Compadium. Author.
  2. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-12-27. Retrieved 2015-07-27.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  3. siteadmin (17 July 2014). "Is The Niger Delta Region The 'Epicentre Of Electoral Fraud' In Nigeria?-AFRICA CHECK - Sahara Reporters".
  4. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-01-11. Retrieved 2014-08-29.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2014-09-03. Retrieved 2014-08-29.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. "Nigeria MDG Acceleration Framework: A commitment to Improved Maternal Health" (PDF). Federal Republic of Nigeria and UNDP. www.undp.org. August 2013.
  7. "Constitution: Six geopolitical zones divide North, South". punchng.com. Archived from the original on 2014-12-27.
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