Niger State is the largest state in Nigeria by landmass, with a surface area of approximately 76,363 square kilometres. It is followed by Borno and Taraba states.
Okay News compiled this ranking from recognised Nigerian statistical records. Surface-area figures can vary slightly across publications because of differences in surveying methods, water coverage and disputed boundaries.
Nigeria’s largest states by landmass
| Rank | State | Area | Capital | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niger | 76,363 km² | Minna | North Central |
| 2 | Borno | 70,898 km² | Maiduguri | North East |
| 3 | Taraba | 54,473 km² | Jalingo | North East |
| 4 | Kaduna | 46,053 km² | Kaduna | North West |
| 5 | Bauchi | 45,893 km² | Bauchi | North East |
| 6 | Yobe | 45,502 km² | Damaturu | North East |
| 7 | Zamfara | 39,762 km² | Gusau | North West |
| 8 | Adamawa | 36,917 km² | Yola | North East |
| 9 | Kwara | 36,825 km² | Ilorin | North Central |
| 10 | Kebbi | 36,800 km² | Birnin Kebbi | North West |
Which is the biggest state in Nigeria?
Niger State is the biggest state in Nigeria. The Niger State Government describes the state as covering about 76,363 square kilometres, representing roughly 8.6 per cent of Nigeria’s total surface area.
The state was created on February 3, 1976, and has Minna as its capital. It is part of Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone.
Which is the smallest state in Nigeria?
Lagos State is the smallest Nigerian state by surface area, at approximately 3,577 square kilometres. Its population and economic activity, however, make it one of the country’s most densely populated and commercially important states.
Is Abuja one of Nigeria’s states?
No. Abuja is located in the Federal Capital Territory. The FCT is administered by the Federal Government and is not counted among Nigeria’s 36 states.
Related Nigerian states guides
- Nigeria’s 36 states, capitals and governors
- Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and their states
- Nigerian states by creation date, capital and zone
- How Nigeria’s 36 states were created
The National Bureau of Statistics publishes official statistical references covering Nigeria’s national and state areas.
