This article brings you 10 most populated states in Nigeria. Undoubtedly, Nigeria is the among most populated country in Africa. No wonder she is called the ‘Giant of Africa’. Now, we all know that every country is made up of states. By so doing, a country with a huge population will most likely contain several states with large populations.
Nigeria is currently predicted to become the third most populated country in
the world in the future. With a steady growth and rapid increase in population,
Nigeria accounts for about a third of the African population. In this article
today, we are going to look at the top 10 Most Populated States in Nigeria.
Top 10 Most Populated States in Nigeria (2023)
Without wasting any more time, let us look at the top 10 Most Populated
States in Nigeria.
1. Lagos State - 9,013,534 Million
Popularly called Eko in Yoruba, Lagos is the most populous urban center
in Nigeria and one of the most populous urban centers in Africa. The origin of
the name Lagos is Portuguese in origin and it means ‘lakes’ Lagos is a major financial
center and is said to have the highest GDP in Africa. One of the busiest ports
in Africa is located in Lagos. There are conflicting figures when it comes to the population of
Lagos. The State government puts the population at 22 million although the UN
estimates indicates that a little over 14 million people living in Lagos.
However, the census in 2006 pegs the population of the state at around 8
million.
2. Kano State -9,401,288 Million
Kano is the second most populous state in the country according to UN
estimates. The state was created on the 27th of May 1967. Kano is known for
food crops like millet, cowpeas, sorghum, maize, rice. The state is also a
major producer of cotton, garlic, soybean, gum arabic, chili pepper, sesame as
well as hides and skins. Based on the NBS data, Kano is the most populous state
in the country with a population of over 13 million people. A vast majority of
this populace are Hausa people.
3. Oyo State -5,591,589 Million
Oyo state is one of the most populated states in Nigeria today. Located
in Western Nigeria, this state currently holds a large population of the
Yorubas in the country. Today, the capital of Oyo State ‘Ibadan’ is the biggest
city in West Africa. Just like Lagos and Kano State, Oyo state is very
populated. From the recent estimates given by the United Nations, Oyo state is
currently said to have a total population of 15 million people. As a result,
they sit firmly as the third most populated state in the country.
4.
Kaduna is located in the North-western part of the country. The state had
over 6 million people according to the population census in 2006. Current
estimates put the figure at around 12 million. Kaduna has 23 local government areas
with over 60 ethnic groups in the whole state. Kaduna is known for its many
educational institutions. These include the likes of Ahmadu Bello University,
Zaria, Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna State University, Nigerian Defence Academy
and the Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria The state is the fourth largest state
in Nigeria based on land area. The state has an estimated 46,053 km2.
5. Rivers State - 5,185,400
Million
Rivers State is the most prominent oil producing state. The state was
created on the 27th May, 1967 and the capital is Port Harcourt. Rivers has a
total land area of 11,077km2. Rivers is surrounded by Eastern states like Imo,
Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa and Delta states. There are several
ethnic groups in the state. These include Abua, Andoni, Ekpeye, Engenni, Etche,
lbani, lkwerre, Kalabari, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Okrika and Ogoni. Rivers state is
divided in to 23 local government areas. Current estimates put the number of
people living in Rivers state at around 10 million.
6. Katsina State - 5,792,578
Million
Located in the North Western part of the country, Katsina is 6th most
populous state in the country. The origin of the state can be traced to Kaduna
state from which it was carved out. The predominant ethnic group in this state
is the Hausa people. The state is primarily a Muslim state however churches
like the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Roman Catholic Church are
quite popular in the area.
7. Bauchi State - 4,676,465
Million
Bauchi state was created in 1976 after the break-up of the North-Eastern
state. In 1996, Gombe state was carved out of this state. According to recent
estimates, there are over 9 million people living in Bauchi state although 2006
census puts the figure at 4,653,066. Although, the people in Bauchi are
predominantly Hausas, there are actually over 50 tribal groups in the state in
the past, Bauchi was one of the major sources of tourism and freedom in the
Fulani Empire of Sokoto.
8. Anambra State - 4, 055, 048
Million
Anambra is a state that is known
for its industrious spirit. Nnewi and Onitsha come to mind when we talk about
the industry of the state. These areas have produced several billionaires and
multi-millionaires. These include the likes of Cosmas Maduka, Prince Arthur Eze,
Emeka Offor,
Innocent Chukwuma, Ifeanyi Uba and many more. The state currently has a
population of over 8 million people. The 2006 population census released
estimates of 4, 055, 048 but it is believed that the population has since double.
Anambra state is made up of predominantly Igbo people with the minority group
being the Igala people.
9. Jigawa - 4,348,649
Million
Jigawa state is located in the North central part of Nigeria. The state
was created from Kano state in 1991. According to the population census of
2006, about 4.3 million people live in Jigawa state. But recent estimates put
the figure
at 8.1 million people.
10. Benue - 4,219,244 Million
Popularly called the Food basket of the Nation, Benue is the 10th most populated state in the country with a population of 4.2 million according to the 2006 population census although the current population is around 8 million people. The state is located in the middle belt and the major ethnic groups are the Tivs, Idomas and the Igedes.
Final Thoughts on the Most Populated States in Nigeria
From this wonderful piece, you can confirm that Nigeria is indeed filled with big states. These huge states with large populations are responsible for the overall population ranking of Nigeria. With a whopping 36 states, Nigeria has a total population of over a 200 million plus people.
This is the largest in Africa as a whole. Matter-of-factly, some states in Nigeria compete with some countries in Africa in terms of population. Probably why Nigeria is called the ‘Giant of Africa’. Aside from being so populated, Nigeria is a country that is richly blessed with natural resources. Nigeria is blessed with oil and gas, coal, limestone, and more.
From this wonderful article, you can confirm that Nigeria indeed contains a lot of populated states. Aside from the states listed here, there are many other states in Nigeria which are actually populated. However, they do not make it to this list, as this list is focused on only the top ten states. So far, that is all we have on the top 10 most populated states in Nigeria.
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