The six geopolitical zones of Nigeria is a major division in modern Nigeria, created during the regime of president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Nigerian economic, political and educational resources are often shared across the zones.
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Reason for the Zones
The six zones have not been entirely carved out based on geopolitical location, but rather states with similar cultures, ethnic groups, and common 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 through 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 recognised in Nigeria's constitution and be strengthened to function as federating units in the new structure for Nigeria.
According to Chief Nengi James, a Niger Delta activist, "for all sections of the country to become one entity, the geopolitical zones must be recognised 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.