How many states are in Nigeria? Know the states and their capitals
Nigeria is subdivided into six regions known as geopolitical zones. The zones are further subdivided into states. These geographical divisions form the basis on which political, economic, and educational resources are distributed in the country. The states vary in size, economic activities, tribal composition, and numerous other attributes. How many states are in Nigeria, and where is each headquartered?
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Nigerian states were created at different times and by different regimes. The very first ones were created in 1967, with the most recent coming into existence in 1996.
How many states are in Nigeria?
How many states does Nigeria have in 2022? There are 36 states in Nigeria today. What are the 36 states in Nigeria? Here is a look at each state, its slogan, capital, and current governor.
State | Capital | Current Governor | Slogan |
Borno | Maiduguri | Babagana Umara Zulum | Home of Peace |
Adamawa | Yola | Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri | Land of Beauty |
Edo | Benin City | Godwin Obaseki | Heartbeat of Nigeria |
Kwara | Ilorin | Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq | State of Harmony |
Kaduna | Kaduna | Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai | Centre of Learning |
Osun | Oshogbo | Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola | Land of Virtue |
Ebonyi | Abakaliki | Dave Umahi | Salt of the Nation |
Ekiti | Ado-Ekiti | John Olukayode Fayemi | Land of Honour and Integrity |
Niger | Minna | Abubakar Sani Bello | The Power State |
Delta | Asaba | Ifeanyi Okowa | The Big Heart |
Ogun | Abeokuta | Dapo Abiodun | Gateway State |
Abia | Umuahia | Okezie Ikpeazu | God's Own State |
Zamfara | Gusau | Bello Muhammad Mutawalle | Farming is Our Pride |
Kogi | Lokoja | Yahaya Adoza Bello | The Confluence State |
Imo | Owerri | Odidika Uzodinma | Eastern Heartland Hope |
Ondo | Akure | Rotimi Akeredolu | Sunshine State |
Plateau | Jos | Simon Lalong | Home of Peace and Tourism |
Kebbi | Birnin Kebbi | Abubakar Atiku Bagudu | Land of Equity |
Cross River | Calabar | Benedict Ayade | The People's Paradise |
Jigawa | Dutse | Badaru Abubakar | The New World |
Taraba | Jalingo | Darius Ishaku | Nature's Gift to the Nation |
Bauchi | Bauchi | Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed | Pearl of Tourism |
Rivers | Port Harcourt | Ezenwo Nyesom Wike | Treasure Base of the Nation |
Katsina | Katsina | Aminu Bello Masari | Home of Hospitality |
Lagos | Ikeja | Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu | Centre of Excellence |
Oyo | Ibadan | Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde | Pace Setter State |
Enugu | Enugu | Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi | Coal City State |
Anambra | Awka | Charles Soludo | Light of the Nation |
Sokoto | Sokoto | Aminu Waziri Tambuwal | Seat of the Caliphate |
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State | Capital | Current Governor | Slogan |
Yobe | Damaturu | Mai Mala Buni | Pride of the Sahel |
Gombe | Gombe | Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya | Jewel in the Savannah |
Kano | Kano | Abdullahi Umar Ganduje | Centre of Commerce |
Nasarawa | Lafia | Abdullahi Sule | Home of Solid Minerals |
Bayelsa | Yenagoa | Douye Diri | Glory of All Lands |
Akwa Ibom | Uyo | Udom Gabriel Emmanuel | Land of Promise |
Benue | Makurdi | Samuel Ortom | Food Basket of the Nation |
Which state is the biggest in Nigeria?
Niger State is the biggest of the 36 states. It measures 76,363 km².
How many states are in Northern Nigeria?
How many northern states are in Nigeria? The country’s north is comprised of three geopolitical zones, namely the North Central (Middle Belt) Zone, the North-West Zone, and the North-East Zone. Combined, these zones have 20 states, slightly more than half of the total Nigerian states.
How many Igbo states are in Nigeria?
The Igbo people make up one of the largest tribes in Nigeria. They primarily occupy five states in Nigeria: Enugu, Ebonyi, Io, Abia, and Anambra. They are also found in Delta and River states, albeit in smaller numbers.
When did Nigeria have 12 states?
The country had 12 states between 1967 and 1976. This is after the reigning military regime replaced the then four regions with the country's first 12 states.
Who created states in Nigeria in 1976?
1976 saw the creation of 7 states by General Murtala Mohammed. These were added to the 12 states at the time, bringing the total to 19 states.
Who created the 36 states in Nigeria?
The 36 Nigerian states were created by different leaders under different regimes. These include General Murtala Mohammed, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Yakubu Gowon, and General Sani Abacha.
Who created 21 states in Nigeria?
By 1987, the country had 21 states. These had been created by General Yakubu Gowon (12), General Ibrahim Babangida (2), and General Murtala Mohammed (7).
How many states are in Nigeria? If you have been wondering about the number of states in modern-day Nigeria, this guide has you covered. These administrative subdivisions form the primary basis upon which national resources are distributed among the citizens.
READ ALSO: What are the ten economic problems that Nigeria is facing?
Legit.ng recently explored the main economic problems present in Nigeria. Like other middle-income countries with emerging markets, the country has witnessed gradual expansion in communication, technology, finance, manufacturing, and service sectors.
However, problems such as poor health facilities, high levels of crime, unemployment, and corruption continue to be pressing issues in the country's economy.
Source: Legit.ng
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com