The factors that led to the formation of Federalism in Nigeria are:
(i) The amalgamation of the North and South in 1914 laid historical foundation for Federalism in Nigeria.
(ii) The large size of the country.
(iii) Diversity in culture and ethnic composition.
(iv) Geographical contiguity: The ethnic groups are geographically contiguous or very close to each other.
(v) The need to protect minority groups interests.
(vi) The threat of Northern region to secede from Nigerian in 1953.
(vii) Nigeria has a large population
(viii) Outcome of constitutional conferences: The 1953 and 1954 constitutional conferences agreed to establish the Federal system of government in Nigeria.
(ix) The British intervention: The British government promptly intervened in the political impasse of 1953 which brought the Secretary of State for the colonies to come and preside over the constitutional conference of 1954 in Lagos.