United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has marked the 35th anniversary of the creation of 10 states in 1991, highlighting the critical role of air connectivity in linking the states to markets, businesses, investment opportunities and other parts of the country.
The airline said the creation of the states, which brought governance closer to the people, also helped unlock economic potential in different regions and enabled several of the new states to develop distinctive commercial, agricultural, industrial and energy strengths.
On August 27, 1991, the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, increased Nigeria’s number of states from 21 to 30 with the creation of Abia, Adamawa, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi and Osun. Taraba was also created in the same round of state creation, while Yobe was established later in 1991.
Reflecting on the anniversary, UNA’s Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, said the states represented a significant milestone in Nigeria’s development and had since become important contributors to the national economy.
Olawuyi said the creation of the states was driven by the vision of bringing government and development closer to the people, adding that the economic transformation witnessed in many of them demonstrated the long-term impact of the restructuring.
“These 10 states represent something beautiful and profound. They were born from a vision of bringing Nigeria closer to its people, of saying to every corner of this nation: your voice matters. Your development matters. Your dreams matter”, he said.
According to him, Abia and Enugu have developed into important manufacturing, commercial and trade centres in the Southeast, while Delta has become a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy economy.
He identified Edo as an important agricultural and oil and gas-producing state, while describing Taraba, Adamawa, Jigawa, Kebbi and Yobe as significant agricultural centres contributing to the country’s food supply chain.
Olawuyi also pointed to Kogi’s strategic location as a major transportation and logistics corridor connecting different parts of Nigeria.
He stressed that aviation had become increasingly important in sustaining these economic activities by providing fast connections between businesses, investors, traders, professionals, families and other travellers.
“When we fly a businesswoman from Enugu to expand her manufacturing business, we’re supporting the dreams that these states were created to nurture”, Olawuyi said.
“When we unite families for celebrations in Benin or enable traders and students to reach new opportunities in Delta, we are promoting the vision behind the creation of these states”.
He said the role of airlines extended beyond moving passengers from one destination to another, noting that reliable connectivity could facilitate trade, investment, tourism, education and broader economic integration.
Taraba, created from the former Gongola State with Jalingo as its capital, has developed significant agricultural and mineral resources, while Abia, carved out of Imo State with Umuahia as its capital, has grown into a major manufacturing and commercial centre.
Adamawa, also created from Gongola State, has established itself as an important agricultural production centre.
Delta, created from the former Bendel State with Asaba as its capital, has become a major contributor to Nigeria’s energy economy, with Warri also serving as a key commercial and industrial centre.
Edo, created from Bendel State with Benin City as its capital, has developed a diversified economy spanning agriculture, commerce, manufacturing and oil and gas.
Enugu, created from the former Anambra State, remains a major commercial and industrial centre in the Southeast, while Jigawa, carved out of Kano State with Dutse as its capital, has a predominantly agrarian economy.
Kebbi, created from Sokoto State with Birnin Kebbi as its capital, has developed significant agricultural and cross-border trade activities.
Kogi, created from parts of Kwara and Benue states with Lokoja as its capital, occupies a strategic position between Nigeria’s major geographical regions and serves as an important transportation and logistics link.
Osun, carved out of Oyo State with Osogbo as its capital, is known for its commercial activities, agriculture and rich cultural heritage, while Yobe, created from Borno State with Damaturu as its capital, has developed a significant agricultural base.
UNA said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect not only on the history of state creation but also on the economic progress recorded across the states over the past 35 years.
The airline reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening domestic air connectivity and supporting the movement of people, goods, ideas and investments that drive economic development across Nigeria.