On October 1, 1996, Nigeria’s 36th Independence Anniversary, the then Head of State, General Sani Abacha, used his national broadcast to announce the creation of six new states, a landmark decision that significantly reshaped the country’s political and administrative landscape.
In his Independence Day address, Abacha emphasised the need for national vision, homegrown ideas and determination as essential ingredients for development. He also acknowledged the country’s prevailing socioeconomic challenges, including unemployment, crime and poverty, stressing the need for decisive government action.
He subsequently announced the creation of six states: Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara, bringing Nigeria’s total number of states from 30 to 36.
Abacha called on Nigerians to support the nation-building process and work collectively towards national development.
The creation of the six states remains one of the defining political decisions of Nigeria’s 1996 Independence anniversary.
Historical note: The announcement was made on October 1, 1996, while the formal creation of the six states is generally dated October 1, 1996.
