Delta State is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The state was formed from the former Bendel State on August 27, 1991, which was split with the north becoming Edo State and the south becoming Delta State – named after the Niger Delta—a large part of which is in the state.

Delta State was initially created in 1991 with 12 local government areas which was later extended to 19 and now, the state has 25 local government areas. Asaba as its state capital is located along the River Niger on the northeastern end of the State, while the state’s economic centre is the twin cities of Warri and Uvwie. Of the 36 states, Delta is the 23rd largest in area and twelfth most populous with an estimated population of over 5.6 million as of 2016.

History Of All States In Nigeria

Delta State is made up of different ethnic groups, including the Urhobo people occupying the delta central senatorial district ; Ika and Aniocha-Oshimili-Ukwuani (Igbo) occupying the delta north senatorial district; the isokos, Ijaws, Itsekiris and parts of Urhobos occupying the delta south senatorial district. Also other minor tribes which includes; the Olukumi, Igalas; found in the delta north region, that have been quite assimilated by the larger Igbo group.

In the pre-colonial period, now-Delta State was divided into various monarchial states like the Kingdom of Warri and Agbor Kingdom before the area became a part of the British Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1884. In the early 1900s, the British incorporated the protectorate (now renamed the Niger Coast Protectorate) into the Southern Nigeria Protectorate which later amalgamated into British Nigeria. However, colonial forces did not gain permanent control of modern-day Delta State until the 1910s, due to the uprisings of the Ekumeku Movement. Notably, Delta has one of the few parts of now-Nigeria to have been under French control as the UK leased the enclave of Forcados to France from 1903 to 1930.

Which States Share Border With Delta State?

Delta State is based around the production of crude oil and natural gas as one of the main oil-producing states in the country. Key minor industries involve agriculture as the state has substantial oil palm, yam, and cassava crops along with fishing and heliciculture. In large part due to its vast oil revenues, Delta has the fourth highest Human Development Index in the country; however, disputes between oil companies and local communities along with years of systemic corruption have led to hostilities that are often tied to the lack of development in host communities.

All Nigerian States And The State They Share Borders With