Geopolitical zones of Nigeria

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones, commonly just called zones. They are a type of administrative division grouping the country's states, created during the regime of president General Sani Abacha. Nigerian economic, political, and educational resources are often shared across the zones.^: 98

The six zones were not entirely carved out based on geographic location, but rather states with similar ethnic groups, and/or common political 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.