So what are the 10 most populated states in Nigeria?
Undoubtedly, Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa.
No wonder she is called the ‘Giant of Africa’.
Right?
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 (2021)
Without wasting any more time, let us look at the top 10 Most Populated States In Nigeria.
10. Benue State – 7.3 Million+
On the tenth spot in this list of 10 Most Populated States In Nigeria, we have Benue State.
Today, Benue state is one of the beautiful states in Nigeria with a deep history.
However, a lot of people are afraid of touring this state following the numerous attacks by Fulani herdsmen.
This state shares a common border with other states like Enugu, Taraba, Ebonyi, and also Cross River State.
Benue is a hub for food in Nigeria.
They have different food items which are often available for commercial orders.
With a current population estimated to be about 7.8 million+ people, this state sits firmly as the tenth most populated state in Nigeria.
9. Jigawa State – 8 Million+
Just like a some other states in the country, Jigawa is a core northern state.
This state is dominated by the Hausa and Fulani people.
However, there are some other ethnic groups which are not well known.
Jigawa was recorded with a total of 4.3million+ people.
However, they have outgrown that number today, and they are currently estimated to have a total population of 8million+ people.
8. Anambra State – 8.3Million+
Located in the south-east area of Nigeria, Anambra State is also one of the most populated states in the country today.
This state is well known for several commercial activities.
Cities like Onitsha and Nnewi are some busy cities in this state.
Aside from being busy cities, these names are very familiar commercially across the nation.
Anambra State is a pure Igbo state which is well known for producing several stars in the Nigerian movie industry.
When the 2006 census took place, Nigeria was Anambra state was said to have had a total of 4.05 million+ people.
However, recent surveys have revealed that this state now has a total of 8.3 million+ people.
This makes it the most populated Igbo state, and one of the most populated states in Nigeria.
7.Bauchi State – 9 Million+
In seventh place on this list of the top 10 most populated states in Nigeria, we have Bauchi State.
This state is actually considered as a poor state.
However, they sit firmly on the seventh spot in this list of most populated states.
Back in 2006, the census revealed that Bauchi had a total population of 4.6million+ people.
However, modern estimates have shown that Bauchi has a total population of 9 million+ people.
6. Katina State – 10 Million+
Before 1988, Katsina was a part of Kaduna State.
However, they were later separated by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida when he created new states during his time in office.
Presidents like the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and serving President Muhammad Buhari are all from this state.
This is one of the major Muslim states in the country right now.
With a total population of about 10 million+ people, Katina stands as the sixth most populated state in the country.
5. Rivers State – 11 Million+
Often considered as the treasure base of the country, Rivers State is also one of the most populated states in Nigeria today.
This state is filled with several natural resources, and several oil companies.
Rivers state is well known for its capital city ‘Port Harcourt’.
This city is one of the most popular cities in Nigeria, and it is the commerce hub of the State.
The 2006 census recorded that Rivers State had a total population of 5.1million+ people.
However, recent surveys have revealed that the number has grown to a whopping 11million+.
With such a huge population, Rivers State stands as the fifth most populated state in Nigeria.
4. Kaduna State – 15 Million
Today in Nigeria, Kaduna is well known as a state which harbors several important Nigerian institutions.
Some of these institutions include the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Ahmadu Bello University, and more.
Kaduna is a core Northern state which is dominated by the famous Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups.
However, there are 50+ ethnic groups in this state.
From the 2006 census, Kaduna was estimated to have a total of 6.06million + people.
However, recent surveys have revealed that this number has climbed up the scale.
As of today, Kaduna State is estimated by the UN to have a total population of about 12 million+.
This makes her the fourth most populated state in Nigeria.
3. Oyo State – 15 Million
Oyo state is the third most populated state 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.
2. Kano State – 16 Million+
On the second position in this list, we have Kano State.
Today, Kano State is the state with the most local governments in Nigeria.
The census in 2006 revealed that the population of Kano state was 9.3 million+.
However, recent estimates have revealed that they now have a total population of 16 million+.
With such a huge population, Kano state sits firmly as the second most populated state in Nigeria.
1. Lagos State – 21 Million+
On the number one spot in this list, we have Lagos State.
There is hardly any Nigerian who haven’t heard of the name Lagos.
As a matter of fact, Lagos is the most famous place in Nigeria.
Lagos State is currently the most populated state in the country as of 2021.
Back in 2006, it was recorded during the national census that Lagos State had a total population of 7.6 Million people.
However, this figure was contrary to what the Lagos State government came up with.
In 2012, they recorded a total population of 17.5 Million+.
As we all know, Lagos is the centre of commerce in Nigeria.
Today, they generate the highest internal revenue in the country.
With a current population of 21 million+ people, Lagos state stands as the most populated state in Nigeria.
Some other Populated States In Nigeria
Here are some other populated states in Nigeria.
– Borno State
Borno State is also another populated state in Nigeria.
However, this list is a top 10 list, so they are not featured in the main list.
This state is made up of the Kanuri people.
With a total of 27 local governments in Borno, this state is indeed a big one.
The major source of income in Borno state is farming.
However, this is negatively affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
So many Borno citizens now live in IDP camps as a result of the damages caused to their houses.
The total population of Borno State is about 6million+ people.
With such a huge population, Borno stands firmly as one of the most populated states in the country.
– Niger State
Niger State is the biggest state in Nigeria in terms of land mass.
With a total of 25 local governments, Niger State contains several important industries and factories in the country.
Niger State proudly houses two major hydroelectric dams in Nigeria.
These are the Kainji Dam and the Shiroro Dam.
Aside from this, Niger State also houses several reserve parks and tourist centres.
With a population of over 5million people, Niger State also stands firmly as one of the most populated states in Nigeria.
These are just some extra states with large populations in Nigeria.
There are many more, but they are not featured on this list.
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 200million+ 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.
In all, I do hope you found this article useful and interesting.
If you did, then feel free to drop your comments below.
source: thingstoknow.com.ng