Akwa Ibom and Katsina states are created

In September 1987, General Ibrahim Babangida announced the creation of two new states: Akwa Ibom, carved from Cross River State in the southeast, and Katsina, separated from Kaduna State in the northwest. This brought Nigeria's total from 19 to 21 states, representing the first state creation exercise since 1976. The announcement came as part of Babangida's broader political transition program, which promised eventual return to civilian rule.

The creation of these states responded to long-standing agitations from ethnic and regional groups seeking greater political autonomy and resource control. Akwa Ibom's creation satisfied demands from the Ibibio people, who had felt marginalized within Cross River State dominated by other ethnic groups. Similarly, Katsina's establishment addressed calls from the Hausa-Fulani communities in the former Kaduna State's northern districts, who sought their own administrative center separate from the southern-dominated state capital.