States in Nigeria

7.3K

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is a federation of 36 vibrant states—each with its own capital, culture, and contribution to the nation’s rich identity. From the economic energy of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Taraba, these states are grouped into six geopolitical zones and play a pivotal role in governance and development. Whether you’re planning a visit, researching for a project, or simply curious about the diversity within Nigeria, this guide gives you a clear snapshot of each state’s location, size, population, and more.

THE 36 STATES IN NIGERIA

NAME	CAPITAL	GEOPOLITICAL ZONE	AREA SIZE	ESTIMATED POULATION
Abia	Umuahia	South East	6,320 km2 (2,440 sq mi)	3,841,943
Adamawa	Yola	North East	36,917 km2 (14,254 sq mi)	4,536,948
Akwa Ibom	Uyo	South South	7,081 km2 (2,734 sq mi)	4,780,581
Anambra	Akwa	South East	4,844 km2 (1,870 sq mi)	5,599,910
Bauchi	Bauchi	North East	45,893 km2 (17,719 sq mi)	7,540,663
Bayelsa	Yenagoa	South South	10,773 km2 (4,159 sq mi)	2,394,725
Benue	Makurdi	North Central	34,059 km2 (13,150 sq mi)	5,787,706
Borno	Maiduguri	North East	70,898 km2 (27,374 sq mi)	5,751,590
Cross River	Calabar	South South	20,156 km2 (7,782 sq mi)	4,175,020
Delta	Asaba	South South	17,698 km2 (6,833 sq mi)	5,307,543
Ebonyi	Abakaliki	South East	6,400 km2 (2,500 sq mi)	3,007,155
Edo	Benin City	South South	19,559 km2 (7,552 sq mi)	4,461,137
Ekiti	Ado- Ekiti	South West	6,353 km2 (2,453 sq mi)	3,350,401
Enugu	Enugu	South East	13,161 km2 (5,081 sq mi)	4,396,098
Gombe	Gombe	North East	18,768 km2 (7,246 sq mi)	3,623,462
Imo	Owerri	South East	5,530 km2 (2,140 sq mi)	5,167,722
Jigawa	Dutse	North West	23,154 km2 (8,940 sq mi	6,779,080
Kaduna	Kaduna	North West	46,053 km2 (17,781 sq mi)	8,324,285
Kano	Kano	North West	20,131 km2 (7,773 sq mi)	14,253,549
Kastina	Kastina	North West	24,192 km2 (9,341 sq mi)	9,300,382
Kebbi	Bernin Kebbi	North West	36,800 km2 (14,200 sq mi)	5,001,610
Kogi	Lokoja	North Central	29,833 km2 (11,519 sq mi)	4,153,734
Kwara	Ilorni	North Central	36,825 km2 (14,218 sq mi)	3,259,613
Lagos	Ikeja	South West	13,577 km2 (1,381 sq mi)0	16,536,000
Nasarawa	Lafia	North Central	26,256 km2 (10,137 sq mi)	2,632,239
Niger	Minna	North Central	76,363 km2 (29,484 sq mi)	6,220,617
Ogun	Abeokuta	South West	16,981 km2 (6,556 sq mi)	5,945,275
Ondo	Akure	South West	15,500 km2 (6,000 sq mi)	4,969,707
Osun	Osogbo	South West	9,251 km2 (3,572 sq mi)	4,237,396
Oyo	Ibadan	South West	28,454 km2 (10,986 sq mi)	7,512,855
Plateau	Jos	North Central	30,913 km2 (11,936 sq mi)	4,400,974
Rivers	Port Harcourt	South South	11,077 km2 (4,277 sq mi)	7,034,973
Sokoto	Sokoto	North West	25,973 km2 (10,028 sq mi)	5,863,187
Taraba	Jalingo	North East	54,473 km2 (21,032 sq mi)	3,331,885
Yobe	Damaturu	North East	45,502 km2 (17,568 sq mi)	3,398,177
Zamfara	Gusau	North West	39,762 km2 (15,352 sq mi)	5,317,793

 

The Role of States, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Local Governments

Nigeria is a unique federation with 36 states. Although semi-autonomous, these states share powers with the federal government as defined in the Nigerian Constitution. Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is not a state. 

The President appoints the Ministers of Government who administer it as a Federal Territory. All states are grouped into local government areas (LGAs). Nigeria has 774 local governments. The 36 states are co-equal but not paramount under the constitution, as sovereignty lies with the federal government. 

State Government

The states of Nigeria, each with its own unique identity and needs, have the right to structure their governments autonomously. This autonomy, however, operates within the framework of the Constitution of Nigeria, ensuring a delicate balance between local and national interests.

Legislature

At the state level, the legislature, a formidable body, is unicameral, with a membership equal to three times the number of legislators in the Federal House of Representatives. It wields substantial power, legislating on matters on the concurrent list.

Executive

At the state level, the governor, a pivotal figure in the executive branch, holds the power to appoint people to the state executive council, subject to the advice and consent of the state House of Assembly (legislature). A permanent secretary, who is also a senior state civil servant, assists the commissioner, who is the head of a ministry at the state level.

Judiciary

The judiciary is one of the co-equal arms of the state government that interprets its laws. The governor appoints the chief justice, who is then subject to the approval of the state House of Assembly.

 

Want to experience the heartbeat of Nigeria beyond the map? At Rex Clarke Adventures, we take you beyond the borders of each state into their markets, cuisines, festivals, and everyday stories. Let’s plan your next journey—whether you’re a local explorer or a global adventurer. Start your adventure here.