Top 10 Most Populated States In Nigeria (2023)

Most Populated States In Nigeria 2023 according to StatiSense

Rank	State	Population (2023)
1	Kano	15.98 Million
2	Lagos	13.79 Million
3	Katsina	10.71 Million
4	Kaduna	9.26 Million
5	Bauchi	8.59 Million
6	Oyo	8.17 Million
7	Jigawa	7.72 Million
8	Rivers	7.67 Million
9	Niger	7.03 Million
10	Sokoto	6.63 Million

Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a population of over 206 million people. According to the most recent estimates, the top 10 most populated states in Nigeria are:

1. Kano State

Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 15.98 million people. Located in the northern part of the country, Kano is an important cultural, economic, and political Centre in Nigeria. The state is known for its rich history, including its role as a center of trade and scholarship during the medieval period. Kano is also an important agricultural center in Nigeria and is known for its production of crops such as wheat, millet, and groundnuts, Kano is also among the top 10 largest states in Nigeria.

2. Lagos State

Lagos is the second most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 13.79 million people. Located in the southwestern part of the country, Lagos is the economic hub of Nigeria and is home to a diverse mix of cultures and languages.

The state is known for its bustling commercial centres, vibrant nightlife, and iconic landmarks such as the Lagos Lagoon and Tafawa Balewa Square.

Lagos State is the most populated state in Nigeria for several reasons like:

1. Economic Opportunities: Lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria, and it is widely known for its abundant economic opportunities. The state is home to a variety of businesses, ranging from small-scale enterprises to multinational corporations. Lagos has the largest number of industries in Nigeria, and it is the country’s economic nerve center. This means that people from different parts of Nigeria come to Lagos in search of economic opportunities.
2. Urbanization: Lagos is one of the most urbanized cities in Africa, and it has experienced rapid population growth over the years. According to the United Nations, Lagos has a population of over 21 million people, making it the 7th largest city in the world. The state’s urbanization has attracted people from different parts of Nigeria in search of better living standards and economic opportunities.
3. Geographical Location: Lagos is strategically located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, which has made it a major port city in Nigeria. The state is also home to Nigeria’s largest international airport, which serves as a gateway to the rest of the world. Lagos’ location has made it a hub for international trade and commerce, which has attracted people from different parts of the world to settle in the state and it is also the most developed state in Nigeria.

3. Katsina State

Katsina is the third most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 10.71 million people. Located in the northwestern part of the country, Katsina is an important agricultural and commercial center in Nigeria and is known for its rich cultural heritage and significant historical landmarks such as the Durbin Zazzau.

Katsina is also an important transportation hub in Nigeria, with a number of major road and rail links passing through the state.

4. Kaduna 

Kaduna is the fourth most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 9.26 million people. Located in the north-central part of the country, Kaduna is known for its diverse mix of cultures and religions. The state is an important agricultural and industrial Centre and is home to a number of universities and research institutes. Kaduna is also an important transportation hub in Nigeria, with a number of major road and rail links passing through the state.

5. Bauchi State

Bauchi is the fifth most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 8.59 million people. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Bauchi is known for its diverse mix of cultures and is an important agricultural and industrial center in Nigeria. The state is home to a number of significant cultural and natural landmarks, including the Yankari National Park. Bauchi is also an important transportation hub in Nigeria, with a number of major road and rail links passing through the state.

6. Oyo State

Oyo is the Sixth most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 8.17 million people. Located in the western part of the country, Oyo is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to a number of significant historical and cultural landmarks, including the ancient city of Oyo-Ile and the Oyo National Park. Oyo is also an important agricultural Centre in Nigeria, with a number of crops such as cassava, yams, and maize being grown in the state.

7. Jigawa State

Jigawa is the Seventh most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 7.72 million people.

Jigawa State is a northwestern Nigerian state with Dutse as its capital. It is known for its agricultural economy, producing crops like sorghum and groundnuts. The state is rich in cultural heritage and has tourist attractions such as the Birnin Kudu Rock Paintings and Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands.

8. Rivers State

Rivers is the Eighth most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 7.67 million people. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Rivers is known for its rich natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and timber. The state is an important economic center in Nigeria and is home to a number of major industrial and commercial centers.

Rivers is also an important transportation hub in Nigeria, with a number of major waterways passing through the state, including the Niger and Bonny Rivers.

9. Niger State

Niger is the Ninth most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 7.03 million people.

Niger State is a state located in the central part of Nigeria. Its capital is Minna. The state is named after the River Niger, which flows through it. Niger State is known for its diverse geography, including the Gurara Falls and the Jebba hydroelectric power station. It is also home to the famous Kainji National Park, a wildlife reserve. The state’s economy relies on agriculture, mining, and hydroelectric power generation.

10. Sokoto State

Sokoto is the Tenth most populous state in Nigeria, with an estimated population of 6.63 million people.

Sokoto State is situated in the northwestern region of Nigeria. Its capital is Sokoto, known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. The state is predominantly inhabited by Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups. Sokoto is renowned for its traditional Islamic architecture, exemplified by the Sultan’s Palace and the Usmanu Danfodiyo University. Agriculture, particularly livestock rearing and farming, is a significant economic activity. The state is also famous for its annual Argungu Fishing Festival, a major cultural event attracting visitors from far and wide.

In Conclusion

It is important to note that population estimates can vary slightly from different sources and may change over time due to factors such as migration, birth rates, and mortality rates. Additionally, it is important to recognize that population size is just one aspect of a state’s character and does not necessarily reflect its economic or social conditions.