Nigeria is the most populous country on the continent and the country is divided into 36 states, each with its unique characteristics. In this article, we will focus on Nigeria’s ten largest states.
- Niger State: Niger State is Nigeria’s largest state by landmass, covering approximately 76,363 square kilometers with 25 local governments. It is situated in the north-central region and is endowed with fertile land for agriculture, particularly along the banks of the River Niger where it derives its name.
Niger boasts diverse landscapes, including plains and hills, and has a rich agricultural base, contributing to Nigeria’s food production. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the state is one of the three states with the cheapest food in Nigeria. It is dominated by Nupe, Gwari, Hausa and Fulani. The widely spoken languages are Nupe and Hausa.
2. Borno State: Borno State is located in northeastern Nigeria and is the second-largest state in the country with 27 local governments. It covers approximately 72,609 square kilometers and boasts a diverse landscape, ranging from the arid Sahel in the north to the lush vegetation of the Lake Chad region in the south.
This region includes Lake Chad, one of Africa’s largest freshwater lakes, offering stunning landscapes and biodiversity. Borno State is predominantly inhabited by the Kanuri and Hausa people, with their languages being the most widely spoken.
In addition to its size and cultural richness, Borno is also known for its challenges, particularly security concerns due to the presence of insurgent groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).
3. Taraba State: Located in northeastern Nigeria, Taraba State is the country’s third-largest state, covering approximately 54,473 square kilometers. It comprises 16 local governments, with major ethnic groups including Fulbe or Fulani, Mumuye, Mambilla, Jukun, Tiv, Kuteb, Wurkun, Yandang, Ndola, Itchen, Jenjo, Tigun, and Jibu.
The state boasts a diverse landscape that ranges from low-lying plains to towering mountain ranges, rendering it one of Nigeria’s most geographically distinct regions. The southeastern Mambilla Plateau, in particular, stands as Nigeria’s highest point, with elevations exceeding 1,800 meters.
This rugged terrain, characterized by dense forests, deep valleys, and numerous rivers, not only showcases breathtaking natural beauty but also poses logistical challenges for development and accessibility, emphasizing the state’s untamed and awe-inspiring landscapes.
4. Kaduna State: Kaduna State is situated in northwestern Nigeria, stands as the fourth-largest state in the country, spanning an expansive 46,053 square kilometers and comprising 23 local government areas.
The region boasts a rich tapestry of ethnic diversity, with prominent groups including the Hausa, Gbagyi, Adara, Ham, Atyap, Bajjuu, and Agworok. Among these, the Hausa language holds sway as the most widely spoken.
Kaduna State enjoys a strategic advantage in both agriculture and mining, with numerous reports highlighting the presence of valuable resources such as gold deposits, Columbite, Cassiterite, Molybdenite, Tantalite, Iron Ore, and a treasure trove of precious stones, including Aquamarine, Sapphire, Tourmaline, Topaz, and Amethyst.
5. Bauchi State: Bauchi State is located in northeast Nigeria and it is the fifth largest state with an area of around 45,837 square kilometers. It has 20 local governments that are majorly occupied by Hausa, Fulani, Gerawa, Sayawa, Jarawa, Bolewa, Karekare, Kanuri, Fa’awa, Butawa, Warjawa, Zulawa, and Badawa.
Hausa and Fulbe languages are the most widely spoken languages. Its diverse landscape provides opportunities for agriculture and tourism which includes the famous Tafawa Balewa tomb and the Yankari Game Reserves.
6. Yobe State: Yobe State is located in Northeast Nigeria and it is the sixth largest state in Nigeria. It has a landmass of 45,502 square kilometers with 17 local governments. It is mostly populated by Fulani, Karai-Karai and Kanuri. The most widely spoken languages in the state are Fulbe and Karai-Karai.
7. Zamfara State: Zamfara is located in the northwest and it is the seventh largest state in Nigeria with an area of about 39,762 square kilometers. It has 14 local governments and the major ethnic groups are Hausa and Fulani with the duo language as lingua franca.
Zamfara land is rich in mineral resources, particularly gold, but challenges such as illegal mining and banditry persist.
8. Adamawa State: Adamawa State is located in the northeast and it is the eighth largest state with a landmass of 36,917 square kilometers. It has 21 local governments and the major ethnic groups are Fulani, the Mumuye, Higi, Kapsiki, Chamba, Margi (Marghi), Hausa, Kilba, Gude, Wurkum, Jukun, and Bata peoples.
The state’s dominant language is Fulbe and the topography includes fertile plains and hilly terrain, presenting opportunities for culture and tourism. For instance, Mandara mountains, Koma Hills, Three sisters hills and Sukur Cultural landscapes attracted people around the country.
9. Kebbi State: Kebbi State is located in the northwest and it is the ninth largest state in Nigeria with an area of about 36,800 square kilometers. It has 21 local governments united by Hausa as the dominant language.
The major ethnic groups in the state are Fulani, Hausa, Dakarki (Dakarawa), and Kamberi. The state has extensive agricultural land, including the floodplains of the Sokoto River, and it has made it a key player in rice production.
10. Kwara State, situated in Nigeria’s north-central region, ranks as the tenth largest state, covering an expansive 36,825 square kilometers. It comprises sixteen local governments, and the primary ethnic group is Yoruba, with noteworthy minorities including Nupe, Bariba, and Fulani.
Yoruba is the predominant language. The state’s diverse topography supports a thriving agricultural sector, focusing on key crops such as coffee, cotton, groundnuts, cocoa, oil palm, and kola nuts.
In conclusion, the ten largest states in Nigeria are all from Northern Nigeria. A brief look at the Nigeria map shows that Northern Nigeria covers a total mass of 660,000 km² out of 923,768 km² of the total landmass of the country with southern Nigeria covering a total of 263, 768km²
It exhibit the diverse impact of landmass on their development and challenges. While vast territory offers opportunities for agriculture, mining, and tourism, it also poses governance and security challenges.
Finding a balance between exploiting the economic potential of the land and addressing the logistical hurdles of governance is crucial for these states to realize their full potential and contribute to Nigeria’s development.
