Top 15 Most Populated States in Nigeria

Top 15 Most Populated States in Nigeria – Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the seventh most populous country in the world with an estimated population of over 200 million people. This large population is unevenly distributed across the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory of the country. Some states are more densely populated than others due to factors like size, economic opportunities, infrastructure development and more. In this article, we will look at the top 15 most populated states in Nigeria, their unique features and locations. Understanding the population distribution across different regions can provide insights into socioeconomic trends and development needs of the country.Top 15 Most Populated States in Nigeria

The Top 15 Most Populated States in Nigeria Are:

1. Lagos State

With a population of over 14 million people, Lagos State tops the list as the most populated state in Nigeria. Lagos is located in the southwestern part of the country and its capital is Ikeja. Some key features of Lagos include:

– Commercial hub of Nigeria with many banks, financial institutions, corporations and industries located here.

– Houses key seaports of Apapa and Tin Can Island which are gateways for import and export trade.

– Cosmopolitan city with diverse cultures and languages from different Nigerian ethnic groups.

– High rate of rural-urban migration adds to its growing population.

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2. Kano State

Kano State, located in North West Nigeria, is the second most populated state with about 12 million residents. Some salient features include:

– Largest commercial center in Northern Nigeria with thriving textile and tanning industry.

– Center of Islamic culture and Hausa heritage in the country. The ancient city walls and Emir’s palace are major attractions.

– Highly patriarchal society with most women in purdah.

– High poverty and illiteracy rates especially in rural communities.

3. Oyo State

Oyo state is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and has a population of about 8 million. Important aspects are:

– Houses Ibadan city which used to be the largest city in Africa during the colonial period.

– Predominantly agrarian society with significant crop production of cassava, yam, maize and more.

– Cradle of Yoruba culture and traditions.

– First university in Nigeria, University of Ibadan, is located here.

4. Kaduna State

With an estimated population of over 7 million, Kaduna is the fourth most populated state in Nigeria. Some salient features:

– Located in northwest Nigeria with capital in Kaduna city which is a major industrial and administrative center.

– Significant Muslim population as it was part of the historical Islamic Sokoto Caliphate.

– Home to several prestigious higher education institutions like Nigerian Defense Academy and Ahmadu Bello University.

– Surrounded by mineral rich highlands like Jos plateau which creates mining opportunities.

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5. Katsina State

Katsina is a northwestern Nigerian state with a population of around 7 million residents. Unique aspects include:Romantic Love Messages

– Predominantly agrarian economy with millet, cowpeas, cotton and peanut as major crops.

– Rural communities engage in animal rearing activities especially of goats, sheep and cattle.

– Hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari and center of Hausa-Fulani culture.

– Houses Katsina University which is a prominent higher education institution in the region.

6. Rivers State

Located in the oil-rich South-South region, Rivers State has around 7 million inhabitants. Some key highlights are:

– Hub of Nigeria’s petroleum industry with abundance of oil and natural gas reserves.

– Bustling port city of Port Harcourt which is a major industrial and commercial center.

– Home to indigenous ethnic groups like Ijaw, Ogoni and Ikwerre people.

– Features rainforests, coastal regions, mangrove swamps and agricultural areas.

7. Benue State

Benue State in North Central Nigeria houses over 5 million residents. Interesting facts include:

– Mostly agricultural state sometimes called ‘Food Basket of the Nation’ for large production of food crops.

– Predominantly rural population with main cash crops being soybeans, yams, rice and cassava.

– Rich in cultural heritage with annual festivals like New Yam festival celebrated across Tiv, Igede and Idoma tribes.

– Features natural tourist attractions like Awejire fishing festival and Ikogosi Warm Springs.

8. Anambra State

Located in southeastern Nigeria, Anambra has an estimated population of around 5 million. Some key aspects are:

– Bustling commercial center with large presence of markets, shops and small-scale industries.

– Enugu and Nnewi serve as important industrial towns with automobile and cement factories.

– Majority Ibo population with rich cultural heritage seen in masquerades, festivals, arts and more.

– Prominent educational institutions like Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Anambra State University are based here.

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9. Bauchi State

Bauchi State located in northeastern Nigeria has a population of around 4.6 million residents. Notable facts include:

– Predominately rural and agricultural state with more than 80% population engaged in farming.

– Staple crops grown include cotton, peanuts, maize, millet and rice.Informationguidenigeria

– Mineral resources like tin and columbite provide job opportunities and economic growth.

– Yankari National Park, a popular tourist destination, features natural wildlife and scenery.

10. Imo State

Imo State in southeast Nigeria houses approximately 4 million people. Some unique highlights are:

– Rich oil and natural gas reserves from regions like Orashi and Oguta provide substantial revenue.

– Palm oil and rubber are important cash crops grown in the state.

– houses important Igbo cultural sites like Mbari cultural center and Eke Ukwu market.

– High literacy rate since colonial era due to prominence of schools and universities.

11. Akwa Ibom State

Located in oil-producing Niger Delta, Akwa Ibom has a population of around 4 million. Interesting details include:

– Possesses substantial oil and gas reserves leading to establishment of refineries and petrochemical plants.

– Agricultural products include cassava, yams, maize, and cocoa.NYSC Portal

– Akwa Ibom people have rich cultural heritage seen in cuisine, dress, festivals, music and more.

– Developing educational institutions like Akwa Ibom State University and maritime academy.

12. Niger State

In North Central Nigeria lies Niger State with approximately 4 million residents. Some key facts are:

– Largest state in the country in terms of landmass covering diverse geographical features.

– Houses hydroelectric power plants like Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam.JAMB Result

– Rural population engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing such as cattle, goats and sheep.

– Mineral deposits include gold, tantalite, clay and glass sand.

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13. Ogun State

Ogun State located in southwest Nigeria has an estimated population of around 4 million. Unique aspects are:

– Gateway state as it shares an international border with Benin Republic.Good morning My Love Message

– Industrial hub with manufacturing plants and factories producing goods like cement, food, steel and more.

– Agricultural crops grown include cocoa, kola nut, cassava and maize.

– Houses premier university – University of Ife and popular tourist site Olumo Rock.

14. Ondo State

Ondo State in the southwestern region has approximately 3.4 million residents. Key details are:

– Lush tropical rainforests and rugged terrains present opportunities for agriculture and tourism.

– Substantial oil reserves in Ondo Delta drive growth of refining and petrochemical industries.

– Main occupations are farming of cash crops like cocoa and lumbering in the forests.

– Houses famous Idanre Hills and Lafogido Lake popular for eco-tourism.

15. Edo State

Located in midwestern Nigeria, Edo State has around 3.3 million inhabitants. Salient aspects include:

– Important commercial center and gateway to northern and eastern Nigeria

– Rich in timber, rubber, palm oil and other natural resources.

– Benin City, the state capital, is renowned for bronze casting and metal works.

– Home to renowned educational institutes like University of Benin.

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Conclusion

In summary, Nigeria’s large population is distributed unevenly across its states due to varying sizes, resources, infrastructure and other historical factors. Out of all states, Lagos in the southwest stands out as the most populated, followed by other states primarily in Northern and Southern Nigeria. Understanding the population concentrations and demographics across different regions can inform better policy decisions for national growth and development. Proactive steps are needed to manage issues arising from congested urban centers while also tapping into the growth potential of Nigeria’s people.

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