Nigeria: A Comprehensive Map of its 36 States

Nov 08, 2025 0

Nigeria, officially known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, Cameroon to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with over 200 million people, and it is one of the largest countries on the continent. The country is often referred to as “the Giant of Africa” due to its enormous population and rich culture.

Nigeria is a federation of 36 states, each of which is a semi-autonomous political unit that shares power with the federal government as enumerated under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In addition to the states, there is the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in which the capital city of Abuja is located. The FCT is not a state, but a territory of the federal government, governed by an administration headed by a minister. Each state is subdivided into local government areas (LGAs). There are 774 local governments in Nigeria.

Our downloadable map shows the country’s states and federal capital territory, with options available in black and white and colored versions. Our labeled map of Nigeria boasts several key features that make it a must-have tool for students, teachers, and users alike. Nigeria’s level one administrative divisions are comprised of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

If you’re searching for a comprehensive and accurate labeled map of Nigeria, then you have come to the right place. This map of Nigeria contains major cities, towns, states, roads, and rivers. It includes satellite imagery and an elevation map to view the topography and landscapes of Nigeria. You are free to use our Nigeria map for educational and commercial uses.

How Nigeria Grew From 3 Regions to 36 States | The Untold Evolution of Nigerian States

Historical Context

Nigeria has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to 9,000 B.C. The country has been home to several kingdoms, such as the Nok Culture, which flourished between 1,000 B.C. and 300 A.D., and is the earliest known civilization in Nigeria. The country was later ruled by various empires, including the Nri Kingdom, Kanem-Bornu Empire, the Oyo Empire, and the Sokoto Caliphate.

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In 1914, Nigeria became a British protectorate, and it gained independence in 1960. Since then, Nigeria has faced political instability, including a civil war from 1967 to 1970. Following independence, Nigeria experienced alternating periods of civilian and military rule until the return to democracy in 1999.

Evolution of States

At the time of independence in 1960, Nigeria was a federal state of three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. In 1967, the regions were replaced by 12 states by military decree. From 1967 to 1970 the Eastern Region attempted to secede, as a nation called Biafra during the Nigerian civil war. In 1987 two new states were established, followed by another nine in 1991, bringing the total to 30. During this period, there were 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Federal Capital Territory was established in 1991.

Map of Nigeria showing the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (Abuja).

Geography and Climate

Nigeria is located in west Africa and covers an area of 923,768 square kilometers. It is home to diverse landscapes, including the Niger River, the Benue River, and the Chad Basin. The country shares borders with several African countries such as Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin. The Gulf of Guinea is located to the south of the country.

Nigeria occupies an area of 923,769 square kilometers (356,669 sq mi), which is one of the largest countries in Africa. The Niger River is the longest in Nigeria, which flows from the northwest southward forming the Niger Delta where eventually it terminates into the Gulf of Guinea. Its landscapes are mostly covered with plains and savannas. But it encompasses a wide mix of deserts, plains, swamps, mountains, and jungles. In general, Nigeria contains plains in the north. In the central region, it transitions to plateaus and hills. Finally, the southern region consists of coastal plains. But there are also several highland areas in the southeast as well, bordering Cameroon. These include the Cameroon Highlands, Atlantika Mountains, and Gotel Mountains. The Bornu Plains are to the northeast beside Chad. Whereas Sokoto Plains to the northwest with Niger.

The climate in Nigeria is varied, though it is generally tropical.

Key Facts About Nigeria

Nigeria is located in Western Africa next to the Gulf of Guinea to the south.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country and the seventh most populous in the world, with an estimated population of over 211 million people.
The country is known as the “Giant of Africa” because of its large landmass.
Nigeria is unique from other African nations because of its multiethnicity, film industry.
Nigeria’s Independence Day is 1 October. It is the anniversary of the end of its colonialisation by the British.
Nigeria is known for its history and culture, diverse landscapes, and natural wonders, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, and is a gateway to many of Africa's other destinations.
Nigeria has a rich and diverse culture, with influences from its many ethnic groups and its history as a former British colony.
While English is the official language, there are over 500 different languages.
Nigeria operates on West Africa Time (WAT), which is UTC+1.

Nigeria's 36 States and Key Features

Nigeria is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, based on the political map of Nigeria. States are the first-level administrative unit in Nigeria. Currently, there are 36 states and 1 federal territory. States evolved from the broader regions.

Here's a look at each of the 36 states, grouped by their geographical region:

North Central

Benue: Located in central Nigeria along the Benue River valley. It is largely agricultural, producing yams, rice, and soybeans.
Kogi: Centrally located and often called the 'Confluence State' where the Niger and Benue rivers meet. Its ethnic diversity includes the Igala, Ebira, and Okun.
Kwara: Sits in the transition zone between northern and southern Nigeria. Its capital, Ilorin, blends Yoruba and northern traditions.
Nasarawa: Borders Abuja and is rich in solid minerals. Its landscape includes hills and rivers, and it is home to the Eggon, Gwandara, and other groups. Gurara Falls created by the Gurara River.
Niger: The Kainji and Shiroro dams with their major hydropower stations produce electricity for Nigeria's grid. The dams contribute to both power generation and irrigation, supporting agriculture and fishing in the region. Niger State is predominantly inhabited by Nupe and Gbagyi people. The largest state in Nigeria by landmass is Niger State, which covers an area of 76,363 square kilometers.
Plateau: Known for its cool climate, rock formations, and cultural diversity. Located in central Nigeria, it hosts many ethnic groups.

North East

Adamawa: Adamawa's landscape features mountains, rivers, and savannahs. It is home to diverse ethnic groups such as the Fulani, Mumuye, and Huba.
Bauchi: Located in the northeast, its landscape combines savanna and forest zones and is home to Yankari National Park, known for its diverse wildlife. The state has a large Hausa-Fulani population, along with many minority groups. Agriculture dominates the economy, with some mining activity.
Borno: Borno lies in the northeast and shares borders with Chad (across Lake Chad), Niger, and Cameroon. The state has its name from the historic Borno Emirate. The dominant ethnic group are the Kanuri people. Borno is primarily an agrarian state with significant deposits of mineral resources. Historically known as the 'Home of Peace,' it has faced security challenges in recent years. The capital is Maiduguri, a cultural and economic hub. Maiduguri is the capital city of Borno State and is located in the northeast region of Nigeria.
Gombe: Gombe lies at the crossroads of Nigeria's northeast,. Its landscape is a mix of savannah and hills. It is ethnically diverse, with Fulani, Tangale, and Tera among the groups.
Taraba: A scenic state called "Nature's Gift to the Nation." It is a mountainous state, named after the Taraba River. The state is known for the Mambilla Plateau and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park. The highest point in the country is Chappal Waddi at 2,419 m (7,936 ft), located in Taraba State, near the border with Cameroon.
Yobe: Located in the arid northeast, Yobe is home predominantly to Kanuri and Fulani people. It shares borders with Niger and has a growing agricultural base. Yobe is located in the Sahel; the transition zone between the more humid Sudanian savannas and the Sahara desert.

North West

Jigawa: Jigawa lies in northwestern Nigeria and is a largely rural and agricultural state. Dominated by the Hausa and Fulani, it is known for groundnut and millet farming.
Kaduna: Kaduna is an influential state in northern Nigeria, known as the 'Centre of Learning' due to its many schools and institutions. It has a mixed population of Hausa, Fulani, and many minority groups.
Kano: With a population of 16.2 million people, Kano is Nigeria's most populous state. It is a major commercial and Islamic center. The state has a long history as a trade hub; it is known for its textiles, leather, and grain markets. Kano City is a key hub for regional and international trade.
Katsina: Katsina is situated in the central-north of Nigeria; it borders the Republic of Niger to the northwest and Benin in the southwest. The state is a stronghold of Islamic education and culture. Agriculture is central to its economy, particularly the production of cotton, groundnuts, and grains.
Kebbi: Kebbi lies in the far northwest of Nigeria. It borders Benin in the southwest and Niger in the northwest. The state has a strong tradition in rice farming and fishing, and hosts the famous Argungu fishing festival.
Sokoto: Sokoto is the seat of an historic Islamic caliphate and is a center of religious scholarship. It is largely inhabited by Hausa and Fulani people. A baobab tree in the Surame Cultural Landscape, where the ancient city of Surame was located.
Zamfara: Zamfara is a northwestern state rich in agriculture and minerals. Its population of an estimated 6 million people belongs mainly to the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group. The state incorporates traditional emirate structures. The dominant religion in the state is Islam.

South East

Abia: Abia is located in southeastern Nigeria; it is an industrial and commercial center. The state is inhabited predominantly by Igbo people. Its nicknamed is 'God's Own State.' Its economy thrives on small-scale manufacturing and trade.
Anambra: Anambra is a densely populated state in southeastern Nigeria. Cities like Onitsha and Nnewi are major trade and industrial hubs. It's the second most densely populated state in Nigeria and home to a predominantly Igbo population.
Ebonyi: Ebonyi is a landlocked state in southeastern Nigeria. It is known for its salt deposits and as a leading producer of rice, yam, potatoes, maize, beans, and cassava in Nigeria.
Enugu: Enugu, is located in the southeast, it is predominantly inhabited by Igbo people. Enugu is known as the 'Coal City State,' it was a center of coal mining in colonial Nigeria. The state now focuses on commerce, education, and administration.
Imo: Imo is situated in southeastern Nigeria, the state is known for its dense population and vibrant cultural life. The state capital, Owerri, is a center for commerce, education, and entertainment.

South South

Akwa Ibom: Akwa Ibom is a state in the South-South region, of Nigeria, bordering the Bight of Biafra in the south. The state is Nigeria's top oil and gas producer. Its capital, Uyo, is known for being clean, modern, and welcoming. Akwa Ibom has an estimated population of about 7.2 million people. The state is home to the Ibibio, Annang, and Oron peoples.
Bayelsa: Bayelsa is a small, oil-rich riverine state in the Niger Delta, a region crisscrossed by creeks and rivers. Bayelsa is mainly inhabited by the Ijaw people.
Cross River: Cross River is situated in Nigeria's southeastern corner, bordering Cameroon in the east. The state is rich in biodiversity, rainforests, and cultural heritage. The state capital, Calabar, is famous for its hospitality and annual carnival.
Delta: Delta State sits in the heart of the Niger Delta and is one of Nigeria's major oil-producing regions. Ethnically diverse, it is home to the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, and Isoko.
Edo: Edo State is centered around Benin City, and rich in pre-colonial history and culture. Benin City is the capital of Edo State and is known for its rich cultural heritage. The Edo (Bini) people are known for their bronze artistry and royal heritage.
Rivers: Rivers State, with Port Harcourt as its capital, is a key player in Nigeria's oil industry. Located in the Niger Delta, it's ethnically diverse and economically vital. Port Harcourt is a city located in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

South West

Ekiti: Nestled in southwestern Nigeria, Ekiti is a hilly state known for education and homogeneity. Mostly inhabited by the Yoruba. Key Fact: Renowned for its intellectual prowess. The state has long been known as Nigeria's intellectual capital, with a strong desire for knowledge and a belief in integrity as a tool for positioning.
Lagos: Lagos is located in the southwest corner of Nigeria and borders Benin in the west. It is Nigeria's smallest state by land but has its largest population. Lagos State consist of the city of Lagos, located on Lagos Island, and its surrounding territory. It is a melting pot of ethnicities and languages due to its large and diverse population. An estimated 20 million people live in Lagos State; and it is home to numerous Nigerian ethnic groups, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and many others. Lagos is a major commercial and financial hub for Nigeria and the West African subregion. The Lagos Port Complex, also known as Apapa Quays, is the largest and oldest port in Nigeria, established in 1913. Lagos City is one of the fastest-growing megacities in the world. Lagos: Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. It is home to several attractions, including the National Museum Lagos and the Nigerian National Theatre.
Ogun: Ogun borders Lagos and serves as an industrial buffer zone. It is predominantly Yoruba and known for being home to Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka.
Ondo: Located in southwestern Nigeria, Ondo is a major cocoa-producing state. It has access to the Atlantic Ocean and a mix of Yoruba subgroups.
Osun: Osun is known for its cultural heritage and the sacred Osun-Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO site. Located in the Yoruba heartland, it celebrates tradition through festivals and crafts.
Oyo: Centered on Ibadan, one of Africa's largest cities, Oyo State has historical significance in the old Oyo Empire. It is a key educational and broadcasting hub.

Major Cities

Nigeria is home to several major cities, each with its unique characteristics and attractions:

Abuja: Abuja is Nigeria's capital city and is home to several government buildings and embassies. The capital of Nigeria is Abuja, a contemporary city constructed as the center of the country.
Lagos: Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa.
Ibadan: Centered on Ibadan, one of Africa's largest cities, Oyo State has historical significance in the old Oyo Empire.

Economy and Resources

Nigeria’s economy is mixed and is one of the emerging market economies. Its primary sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, and extractive industries include oil & gas. The discovery of oil in the Niger Delta region in the mid-20th century reshaped the country’s economy, and it became one of the largest oil producers.

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The Nigerian Naira is the official currency in Nigeria, denoted as ₦ or NGN.

Culture and Society

Nigeria is a country with a diverse landscape that is home to many natural wonders and tourist attractions. The map of Nigeria is home to several tourist attractions that range from natural wonders to historic sites. The country has something to offer for every tourist, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Africa.

Islam and Christianity are the two dominant religions in Nigeria. Nigeria is linguistically a diverse country, with over 400 languages spoken. More than half of the Nigerian population are Muslims (53%), predominantly Sunnis. 45% of the population belong to various Christian denominations. The main ethnic groups are Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo (Ibo).

Some of the notable tourist attractions in Nigeria.

Safety and Security

Nigeria has areas that are safe for visitors, especially in cities like Lagos and Abuja. Still, some regions face security challenges and should be avoided.

Under the Nigerian Constitution, the 36 states enjoy substantial autonomy but are not sovereign entities, as ultimate authority lies with the federal government.

At the state level, the legislature is unicameral, with the number of its members equal to three times the number of legislators it has in the Federal House of Representatives. At the state level, the head of the executive is the governor, who has the power to appoint people to the state executive council, subject to the advice and consent of the state house of assembly (legislature). The Judiciary is one of the co-equal arms of the state government concerned with the interpretation of the laws of the state government.