A Deep Dive into Murtala's Seven States at 50

On February 3, 1976, Nigeria experienced a significant turning point in its administrative evolution, as General Murtala Ramat Mohammed's military regime declared the establishment of seven new states. This action expanded the number of states in the federation from 12 to 19, effectively transforming the political and territorial map of the nation.

The proclamation was broadcast nationally, showcasing Murtala Mohammed’s decisive leadership style, characterized by bold and transformative reforms.

Known for his commitment to reform and impatience with stagnation, his announcement came early in his tenure, about six months after assuming office, just days before his tragic assassination. This state creation initiative stands as a lasting legacy of his brief but impactful leadership.

The newly established states included Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo. Historians suggest these states were a response to long-standing demands for governance that was closer to the people, aimed at diluting the dominance of previous regions and promoting equitable administrative representation.

General Murtala Mohammed clarified his rationale for this initiative, emphasizing that Nigeria’s size and diversity made highly centralized governance inefficient and precarious. He believed large regions had drifted too far away from their governed populations, resulting in feelings of alienation, uneven progression, and political discord.

State creation, for him, was more than a mere organizational alteration; it was a strategic tool for nation-building. By enhancing governmental proximity to citizens, the expectation was that these new states would foster equitable development, strengthen national unity, and lessen ethnic and regional inequalities. He argued that maintaining Nigeria’s unity depended on fairness, inclusivity, and equitable administration rather than coercion or empty rhetoric.

His governance philosophy also justified relocating the Federal Capital Territory from Lagos to Abuja. Murtala contended that Lagos had become overcrowded, symbolically, and logistically inadequate as the nation's capital. Its location and ethnic tensions, coupled with strained infrastructure, rendered it unsuitable for the federal government. Abuja, in contrast, was centrally situated and sparsely populated, envisioned as a neutral capital for all Nigerians without the historical ethnic and religious affiliations tied to older cities.

The combined efforts of creating new states and establishing Abuja illustrated a vision for a more inclusive and balanced federal structure in Nigeria.

The significance of the February 3, 1976, announcement is amplified by the timing of General Murtala Mohammed's assassination just ten days later, on February 13, 1976. At just 37 years old and having served a little over half a year in office, his reforms would be forever etched in the annals of Nigeria's political history.

Despite fears of reverting Murtala's initiatives following his death, his successor, General Olusegun Obasanjo, chosen from within the same military administration, maintained continuity by preserving the seven states and advancing the Abuja project, as well as the transition plan that culminated in the return to civilian governance in 1979. This ensured that Murtala’s decisions were solidified rather than neglected as the unfinished legacy of a fallen leader.

How the Seven States Came Into Existence

Investigations reveal that each of the seven states created in 1976 materialized from unique historical and administrative situations. For example, Bauchi and Borno were formed from the previous North-Eastern State, addressing decades of excessive centralization in a diverse region by allowing focused governance across a broader geographic area.

Benue State was born from Benue-Plateau State to provide greater political identity and administrative authority to the Tiv-dominated regions, addressing demands for self-governance.

Niger State originated from the old North-Western State, facilitating closer access to governance for communities scattered throughout one of Nigeria's largest land areas.

Ogun and Ondo were detached from the former Western State, a region historically marked by fervent calls for the establishment of new states, centered on concerns of political representation and development priorities.

Imo State emerged from the East Central State, responding to minority concerns within the previous Eastern Region and laying groundwork for future administrative reforms in the South-East region.

Fifty years later, these seven states have seen substantial growth in their populations, infrastructures, and political significance. Some have undergone additional divisions in subsequent state-creation actions, showcasing the ongoing relevance of Murtala’s decentralization principles.

Gombe State was formed from Bauchi in 1996; Yobe from Borno in 1991; Abia from a portion of old Imo in 1991; and Ekiti from Ondo in 1996, while Benue, Niger, and Ogun have remained unchanged since 1976.

Over the last five decades, these states have produced many leaders who have risen to the highest levels of the national framework, including governors, ministers, military leaders, and legislators, some even ascending to vice- presidency and presidency. Their contributions are crucial to Nigeria's economy through industries such as agriculture, commerce, and human capital development.

Ogun has become a significant industrial center; Benue maintains its identity as a agricultural state; Niger is home to vital hydroelectric projects; Borno and Bauchi have active roles in agriculture and trade; Imo is recognized for education and entrepreneurship; while Ondo is involved in agriculture and solid minerals production.

However, despite these achievements, the 50th anniversary raises important questions about the promises tied to the creation of these states. Issues of improved governance, accelerated development, and enhanced security remain only partially addressed.

Bauchi is fighting against high poverty rates, low internal revenue generation, and high youth unemployment.

Moreover, Bauchi and Gombe states are engaged in disputes over the ownership of the Kolmani Oil and Gas field, with both states staking claims to the assets. Commissioned by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, this site is reported to contain about one billion barrels of crude oil reserves and 500 billion standard cubic feet of gas.

Benue continues to suffer from ongoing farmer-herder clashes, rural displacement, and inadequate agro-processing systems, despite its agricultural prospects. Recent events saw a Federal High Court in Abuja order the detention of suspects involved in violent incidents in Benue’s Yelwata Community, where approximately 150 individuals lost their lives along with substantial property loss.

Borno is still dealing with the long-term consequences of insurgency, humanitarian crises, and the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction. Regrettably, its anniversary coincided with tragic reports of Boko Haram militants killing 17 individuals.

Imo experiences political instability tied to separatist turmoil, leading to deteriorating public trust in governance. Niger, while presenting strategic national assets in agriculture and energy, faces issues such as banditry and underdevelopment, compounded by environmental challenges like flooding.

Niger State, covering around 76,363 square kilometers, stands as Nigeria's largest state by land area, larger than the former Western and Eastern Regions at the time of independence. It accounts for about 8% of Nigeria's total land area and shares borders with Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, and Nasarawa, along with an international boundary with the Republic of Benin.

The state features vital water bodies, including the River Niger, River Kaduna, and key dams like Kainji and Shiroro, underscoring its strategic value for agricultural activities and hydroelectric power generation.

However, despite its vastness and natural resources, population density remains low with significant areas still underdeveloped and categorized as ungoverned regions.

Currently, Ogun faces the challenges stemming from rapid industrial growth amidst issues related to infrastructure overload, land conflicts, and environmental degradation. Ondo is also struggling with a decrease in agricultural productivity and inconsistent policies.

Ironically, even as Ogun and Ondo should be celebrating their achievements, they are embroiled in a dispute over the ownership of Eba Island, an oil-rich area, after President Bola Tinubu sanctioned drilling there. Recently, the Ogun State Government reaffirmed its claim over Eba Island, citing historical, legal, and administrative correctness.

In contrast, Ondo State has rejected Ogun's assertion, asserting their ownership of Atijere in Ilaje Local Government Area. Both states issued statements through their aides, raising questions surrounding historical documentation and territorial claims.

Across these seven states, they share common challenges, including an excessive dependence on federal funding, low internal revenue generation, high youth unemployment, and issues surrounding governance and accountability.

Looking back, if the late General Murtala were to survey the seven states he initiated on February 3, 1976, he might prioritize their collaborative potential over their individual achievements. He envisioned them not merely as competing entities but as partners in a cooperative national initiative—regions of sufficient strength to govern autonomously yet wise enough to support one another.

Murtala would likely aspire to witness these states united by shared memories and objectives, acknowledging the intricate intertwining of their histories, populations, and economies. Seeing the detrimental impacts of political rivalry, ethnic mistrust, and divisive mindsets on collective strength, especially as insecurity, poverty, environmental stress, and infrastructural inadequacies challenge them uniformly, would be a source of significant regret for him.

In his vision, cooperation was to be a strategic advantage rather than charitable goodwill. Each state held distinct capabilities, whether in agriculture, human resources, trade, natural resources, or geographic advantages. When combined, these assets could forge a robust synergy yielding greater results through shared markets, coordinated security, integrated transportation networks, and joint initiatives in education and industry.