Top 10 Most Populated States in Nigeria (2021)

Nigeria as a country has 36 states, the country that is located in Western Africa has one of the largest populations in the world.

The country is ranked as o e of the most populous country in the world owing to her 200 million population. It is also rated as the African nation with the most black population. All these facts with its vast growing economy have earned her the accolade of the Giant of Africa.

Here are some facts about Nigeria’s Population:

• Kano State remains the second most populous city in Nigeria according to the 2012Population census.
• All of the top Nigerian states have a population of more than a million.
• Nigeria remains the most populated country in the Whole and Africa and could possibly become the 3rd most populous country in the World After India and China come 2050.
• Lagos which is the most populous city in Nigeria and the economic hub of the Nation is home to more than 22 million people
• More than 79 other cities on Nigeria have over 100,000 dwellers
• Nigeria has 36 states and 774 Local Government Areas
• Nigeria is currently rated as the 39th most populous country in the world
• More than 50% of Nigeria’s Population are rural dwellers

A most recent survey done by the United Nations has disclosed the current most populous cities in Nigeria and an estimate of the numbers of dwellers in each state.

 #1. Lagos State | 21 million

The state of Lagos is already Nigeria’s most populous nation in 2021. Approximately 7,682,953 citizens were counted for the state of Lagos in 2006, a number that defied the data gathered by the state government in Lagos.

The state government of Lagos reported a population of 17.5 million in the state as of Lagos in 2012. Lagos has the highest internally generated revenue in the country running to over N20 Billion, as reported in her GDP.

Based on recent data from the UN census, the state of Lagos reportedly has a population of 21 million and has been the most densely populated city in West Africa

 #2. Kano State | 16 million

The state of Kano is the second most populated state in Nigeria at present and is located in the North West region of Nigeria. The Kano population is 9,383,682 in the 2006 population census.

The latest figures indicate, there has been a growth in the state’s population of which is currently estimated to be around 16 million in population.

 #3. Oyo State | 15 million

It is Nigeria’s third most populated territory. In 2006, Ibadan, Oyo’s capital and West Africa’s largest city has a population density of over 5 million.

Oyo state is the most populous state in Nigeria at independence in 1960. The total population of the state is 6.6 million, according to government estimates.

And in the meantime, the UN reports that 15 million inhabitants are occupied by the State in 2016.

 #4. Kaduna State | 12 Million

The state of Kaduna is populated by mostly the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, but it worth noting that there are over fifty other ethnic groups existing in the state.

Meanwhile, recent United Nations studies indicate the state has a populace of around 12,000,000.

This is one of the largest states in the nation by land area and derives its name from the Kaduna River, which is one of Nigeria’s longest and major rivers.

The state of Kaduna is well recognized for being the seat of may academic institutions in Nigeria and it is also considered as one of the elites states in Nigeria.

 #5. Rivers State | 11 Million

Rivers state can be referred to as Nigeria’s treasure base. It’s super-rich in oil, and currently harbouring of almost all the country’s multinational oil companies.

Port Harcourt which is the state’s capital harbors more than 60 percent of the total State’s population. In 2006, Rivers State reported a population of 5,185,400 but now has a Vastly expanded population.

The latest research has it that the state has about 11 million inhabitants. Rivers State is arguably Nigeria’s richest state today.

 #6. Katsina State | 10 Million

Katsina is a core North State dominated by Hausa Fulani dwellers, it is one of the state that was established during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida when the State was separated in 1988 from Kaduna State.

The state has some very good governance record, it is the home of two recent Nigeria’s president namely current President Buhari and late Former president Yar’ Adua.

 #7. Bauchi State | 9 million

Bauchi state with an estimate of 9 million dwellers is ranked as the 7th most populous states in Nigeria,  The state is considered to have a very poor economy compared to other states on this list.  The state is a majorly Hausa-Fulani state and is located in the Northern region of the country.

 #8. Anambra State | 8.3 Million

Anambra state is a Southeastern state and has a considerable rate of commercial and industrious activity, the State is home to the popular Onitsha and Nnewi markets which are other big economic hubs in Nigeria.

The state has 181 towns where is harbours more than 8 million dwellers who are majorly people of the Igbo ethnic group, these ethnic groups are rated to be one of the most industrious in the country, they have a good blueprint in the entertainment movie frontal and manufacturing sector.

 #9. Jigawa State | 8 Million

Jigawa state is a Hausa-Fulani dominated state with well over 4,348,649 recorded population in the 2006 population census, now dwellers in the state are estimated to be around 8 million. The capital of the State Dutse is located in the northwestern region of the country.

 #10. Benue State | 7.8 Million

Benue state is the 10 most populous state in Nigeria with an estimated 7.8 million dwellers, the state is one of the states in Nigeria currently battling the Fulani herdsmen invasion.

Benue state has a basketful of food items. The state is seated in the Northcentral region of Nigeria bordering Cross River state, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Adamawa states.