<P> The six zones was not 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 . </P> <P> 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 . </P> <P> 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 . </P> <Ul> <Li> Middle Belt (loosely known as North Central): <Ul> <Li> Benue </Li> <Li> Kogi </Li> <Li> Kwara </Li> <Li> Nasarawa </Li> <Li> Niger </Li> <Li> Plateau </Li> <Li> Federal Capital Territory </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> North East: <Ul> <Li> Adamawa </Li> <Li> Bauchi </Li> <Li> Borno </Li> <Li> Gombe </Li> <Li> Taraba </Li> <Li> Yobe </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> North West: <Ul> <Li> Jigawa </Li> <Li> Kaduna </Li> <Li> Kano </Li> <Li> Katsina </Li> <Li> Kebbi </Li> <Li> Sokoto </Li> <Li> Zamfara </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> South East: <Ul> <Li> Abia </Li> <Li> Anambra </Li> <Li> Ebonyi </Li> <Li> Enugu </Li> <Li> Imo </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> South South: <Ul> <Li> Akwa Ibom </Li> <Li> Cross River </Li> <Li> Bayelsa </Li> <Li> Rivers </Li> <Li> Delta </Li> <Li> Edo </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> South West: <Ul> <Li> Ekiti </Li> <Li> Lagos </Li> <Li> Ogun </Li> <Li> Ondo </Li> <Li> Osun </Li> <Li> Oyo </Li> </Ul> </Li> </Ul>

The 6 geopolitical zones in nigeria and their states