Nigeria is a federation of 36 states, each a semi-autonomous political unit sharing power with the federal government, as defined by the Constitution. Additionally, there is the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where the capital city of Abuja is located. The FCT is governed by a minister and is not a state.
Each state is further subdivided into local government areas (LGAs), with a total of 774 local governments in Nigeria. While the 36 states enjoy substantial autonomy, ultimate authority lies with the federal government.
Historical Context
At independence in 1960, Nigeria was a federal state of three regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern. In 1967, these regions were replaced by 12 states via military decree. From 1967 to 1970, the Eastern Region attempted to secede as Biafra, triggering the Nigerian Civil War. During this period, there were 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Federal Capital Territory was established in 1991. In 1987, two new states were established, followed by another nine in 1991, bringing the total to 30.
State Governance
At the state level, the legislature is unicameral. The number of members is equal to three times the number of legislators the state has in the Federal House of Representatives. The head of the executive branch at the state level is the governor. The governor can 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.
Distribution of Local Government Areas
Nigeria’s 774 LGAs are unevenly distributed across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Kano stands out with 44 LGAs, reflecting its deep administrative segmentation.
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There’s a clear pattern: states in the North generally have more LGAs, which may be influenced by landmass, historical factors, and the need for closer local governance. Southern states, particularly in the South West and South South, tend to have fewer LGAs, even in densely populated areas like Lagos.
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Population Dynamics and Key States
Nigeria is divided into 36 states and one federal capital territory, which, in turn, are divided into 774 local government areas. Nigeria is a vast country in terms of both area and people. With a population of almost 200 million people, it is Africa's most populous country.
The Nigeria Population (Live) counter shows a continuously updated estimate of the current population of Nigeria delivered by Worldometer’s RTS algorithm, which processes data collected from the United Nations Population Division.
The Population of Nigeria (1950 - 2025) chart plots the total population count as of July 1 of each year, from 1950 to 2025. The Yearly Population Growth Rate chart plots the annual percentage changes in population registered on July 1 of each year, from 1951 to 2025. This value can differ from the Yearly % Change shown in the historical table, which shows the last year equivalent percentage change assuming homogeneous change in the preceding five year period.
Here are some notable states and their characteristics:
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- Niger State: Niger is the largest state in the country. It has twenty-five Local Government Areas.
- Borno State: Borno is the second biggest state in Nigeria. As of 2016, the state's population was predicted to be 5.86 million, making it the ninth most populated state.
- Kano State: It is the third most populous state in the country, with numerous educational institutions of importance, such as Ahmadu Bello University. It has sixteen Local Government Areas.
- Bauchi State: The state is bordered by seven states: Kano and Jigawa on the north, Taraba and Plateau on the south, Gombe and Yobe on the east, and Kaduna on the west. According to 2016 estimates, the population of Bauchi State was over 6,530,000, making it the ninth most populous country.
- Yobe State: It has seventeen Local Government Areas. They include: Bade, Bursari, Damaturu, Geidam, Gujba, Gulani, Fika, Fune, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Machina, Nangere, Nguru, Potiskum, Tarmuwa, Yunusari, and Yusufari.
- Zamfara State: Zamfara is a state in northwestern Nigeria with a predominantly Hausa and Fulani population. The state's primary industries and main sources of revenue are agriculture and gold mining.
- Adamawa State: The Borno borders Adamawa State on the northwest, Gombe on the west, and Taraba on the southwest. Its eastern border forms the national eastern border with Cameroon. Adamawa is the thirteenth least populated in population, with an estimated 4.25 million residents as of 2016.
- Kwara State: Kwara is located within the North Central geopolitical zone, commonly referred to as the Middle Belt. It has 16 Local Government Areas.
- Kebbi State: Kebbi State is bordered by Sokoto State, Niger State, Zamfara State, Dosso Region in the Republic of Niger and the nation of Benin. Kebbi is the tenth largest state in the region and the 22nd most populous, with an estimated population of 4.4 million people in 2016.
It is important to note that a state with a large landmass does not determine if it will be more economically productive than others (those with a small landmass), for example, Lagos State is the smallest in the country, yet it has the largest economic prowess.
| State | Estimated Population (2016) | Number of LGAs | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niger | N/A | 25 | Largest state in Nigeria |
| Borno | 5.86 million | N/A | Second largest state |
| Kano | N/A | 16 | Third most populous state |
| Bauchi | 6.53 million | N/A | Bordered by seven states |
| Yobe | N/A | 17 | Includes Damaturu, Geidam, Nguru, Potiskum |
| Zamfara | N/A | N/A | Northwestern state, agriculture and gold mining |
| Adamawa | 4.25 million | N/A | Border with Cameroon |
| Kwara | N/A | 16 | Located in the Middle Belt |
| Kebbi | 4.4 million | N/A | Borders Benin and Niger |
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