Nigeria’s state structure has evolved significantly since independence. Under the military regime of General Murtala Muhammed, the number of states was increased from 12 to 19. This was done to bring the government closer to the people and address ethnic tensions.

The 1976 decree created seven new states: Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo. It also renamed several existing states (e.g., North-Western State became Sokoto and Niger).

It was also in 1976 that the decision was made to move the capital from Lagos to Abuja, designating it as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).