Regionalism notable with ... may be said to have laid the foundational basis for the latter state creation in Nigeria

Regionalism notable with Arthur Richards may be said to have laid the foundational basis for the later state creation in Nigeria. Arthur Richards was a colonial administrator who served as the Governor of Nigeria's three regions (North, West, and East) between 1943 and 1948. He was a proponent of regionalism, which involved devolving significant powers and resources to the regions, while maintaining a federal government at the center. Under Richards' administration, each of the three regions had its own legislature, which was responsible for making laws and managing local affairs. The regional governments were also responsible for raising revenue and developing infrastructure in their respective regions. Richards' approach to governance was based on the idea that the regions were culturally and economically distinct, and that they would be better able to address the needs of their people if they were given a greater degree of autonomy. His policies were seen as a significant departure from the more centralized approach to governance that had characterized British rule in Nigeria up to that point. The regionalism that Richards initiated in Nigeria set the stage for the later creation of states in the country. In 1960, Nigeria became an independent country with a federal system of government, and in 1963, the country was divided into 12 states. Today, Nigeria has 36 states and a federal capital territory. Overall, Arthur Richards' regionalism approach is seen as having played a significant role in shaping Nigeria's federal system of government and in promoting regional development in the country.