How many states are in Nigeria? Know the states and their capitals

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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What are the 36 states in Nigeria?
The Nigerian flag colors. Photo: pixabay.com, @Chickenonline
Source: UGC

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.

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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?

how many Igbo states are in Nigeria
A map of Nigerian states. Photo: @datarizon
Source: Instagram

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.

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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.

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Who created 21 states in Nigeria?

Which state is the biggest in Nigeria?
A Nigerian flag. Photo: pixabay.com, @jorono
Source: UGC

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

Authors:
Jackline Wangare avatar

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 avatar

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