ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria has 36 states, each with an elected governor and an administrative capital. This updated 2026 guide presents the states, capitals and serving governors in one alphabetical table.
Okay News reports that the Federal Capital Territory is not one of the 36 states. Abuja is Nigeria’s federal capital and the territory is administered by a minister appointed by the president.
The list was checked on 27 July 2026. It does not include political parties because party affiliations can change independently of a governor’s term in office.
Nigeria’s 36 States, Capitals and Governors
| State | Capital | Governor |
|---|---|---|
| Abia | Umuahia | Alex Otti |
| Adamawa | Yola | Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri |
| Akwa Ibom | Uyo | Umo Eno |
| Anambra | Awka | Charles Chukwuma Soludo |
| Bauchi | Bauchi | Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed |
| Bayelsa | Yenagoa | Douye Diri |
| Benue | Makurdi | Hyacinth Iormem Alia |
| Borno | Maiduguri | Babagana Umara Zulum |
| Cross River | Calabar | Bassey Edet Otu |
| Delta | Asaba | Sheriff Oborevwori |
| Ebonyi | Abakaliki | Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru |
| Edo | Benin City | Monday Okpebholo |
| Ekiti | Ado-Ekiti | Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji |
| Enugu | Enugu | Peter Ndubuisi Mbah |
| Gombe | Gombe | Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya |
| Imo | Owerri | Hope Uzodimma |
| Jigawa | Dutse | Umar Namadi |
| Kaduna | Kaduna | Uba Sani |
| Kano | Kano | Abba Kabir Yusuf |
| Katsina | Katsina | Dikko Umaru Radda |
| Kebbi | Birnin Kebbi | Nasir Idris |
| Kogi | Lokoja | Ahmed Usman Ododo |
| Kwara | Ilorin | AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq |
| Lagos | Ikeja | Babajide Sanwo-Olu |
| Nasarawa | Lafia | Abdullahi Sule |
| Niger | Minna | Mohammed Umaru Bago |
| Ogun | Abeokuta | Dapo Abiodun |
| Ondo | Akure | Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa |
| Osun | Osogbo | Ademola Adeleke |
| Oyo | Ibadan | Oluseyi “Seyi” Makinde |
| Plateau | Jos | Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang |
| Rivers | Port Harcourt | Siminalayi Fubara |
| Sokoto | Sokoto | Ahmad Aliyu |
| Taraba | Jalingo | Agbu Kefas |
| Yobe | Damaturu | Mai Mala Buni |
| Zamfara | Gusau | Dauda Lawal |
Quick Facts About Nigeria’s States
- Nigeria has 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory.
- Each state has an elected governor and a state legislature.
- Abuja is the national capital, while the Federal Capital Territory is not a state.
- The 36 states are commonly grouped into six geopolitical zones.
- The most recent state-creation exercise took place on 1 October 1996.
How Nigeria’s States Are Organised
Every state has its own executive government headed by a governor, while the federal government is responsible for national matters. State capitals host the main state government institutions, including the governor’s office and the state legislature.
The six geopolitical zones are North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South and South West. They are widely used for political representation and regional analysis, but they are not an additional constitutional tier of government.
When Were Nigeria’s States Created?
Nigeria moved from a regional system to 12 states in 1967. Later exercises expanded the federation to 19 states in 1976, 21 in 1987, 30 in 1991 and 36 in 1996.
Readers can explore the complete table of Nigerian states by creation date, capital and geopolitical zone or read the full state-creation timeline.
Looking for the American list? See the complete alphabetical list of all 50 US states and capitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has 36 states.
Does Abuja have a governor?
No. Abuja is within the Federal Capital Territory, which is administered by a minister appointed by the president.
Which state was created most recently?
Six states were created in the most recent exercise on 1 October 1996: Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Gombe, Nasarawa and Zamfara.
Who is the governor of Lagos State?
Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the governor of Lagos State as of 27 July 2026.
