Smallest State in Nigeria 2023
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, comprises 36 states and a federal capital territory. Among these states, one stands out as the smallest in terms of land area. Despite its small size, this state is rich in cultural heritage and natural resources.
Located in the southern part of Nigeria, this state has a diverse population that speaks various indigenous languages. Its economy is largely driven by agriculture, with crops such as yam, cassava, and palm oil being major exports. The state is also known for its production of handicrafts and textiles, which are popular both locally and internationally.
The state has a unique history and is home to many important cultural sites and landmarks. Its people are known for their hospitality and warmth, and visitors can expect to experience a rich and vibrant culture. The state also boasts several natural attractions, including waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife reserves.
Despite its small size, the state has made significant strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The government has implemented policies to promote economic growth and development, and the state is poised to continue to make progress in the coming years.
Top 10 Smallest State in Nigeria
Here is the list of Top 10 Smallest States in Nigeria with the land area.
S.No |
States |
Land area (km2) |
|
1. |
Lagos |
3,345 sq.km |
|
2. |
Anambra state |
4,844 sq.km |
|
3. |
Imo state |
5,530 sq.km |
|
4. |
Ebonyi state |
5,670 sq.km |
|
5. |
Abia state |
6,320 sq.km |
|
6. |
Ekiti state |
6,353 sq.km |
|
7. |
Akwa Ibom state |
7,081 sq.km |
|
8. |
Enugu state |
7,161 sq.km |
|
9. |
Federal Capital Territory |
7,315 sq.km |
|
10. |
Osun state |
9,251 sq.km |
Let us see each one of the smallest states in detail.
TRENDING
1. Lagos – 3,345 sq.km
Lagos State is the smallest state in Nigeria with a land area of 3,345 square kilometers. It is located in the southwestern part of the country and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Despite its small size, Lagos is the most populous state in Nigeria and one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. It is the commercial and economic hub of Nigeria, with a vibrant and diverse economy that includes finance, manufacturing, trade, and services.
Lagos is also home to some of Nigeria’s most iconic landmarks, such as the National Museum, the Tafawa Balewa Square, and the Lagos Island. The state has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its vibrant nightlife, music, and food scenes. Lagos is also a major transportation hub, with two international airports and several ports that connect it to other parts of Nigeria and the world.
2. Anambra state – 4,844 sq.km
Anambra State is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria and covers an area of 4,844 square kilometers. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several important historical sites, including the Ogbunike Caves and the Nri Kingdom. Anambra is also a major agricultural center, producing crops such as cassava, yam, and maize.
The state has a diverse population, with people from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds living together. Anambra is also known for its vibrant music and film industry, with many famous musicians and actors hailing from the state. The state capital, Awka, is a rapidly developing city that is home to several major industries and businesses.
3. Imo state – 5,530 sq.km
Imo State is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria and covers an area of 5,530 square kilometers. The state is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several important historical sites, including the Mbari Cultural and Art Centre and the Oguta Lake. Imo is also a major agricultural center, producing crops such as palm oil, cassava, and yam.
The state has a diverse population, with people from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds living together. Imo is also known for its vibrant music and film industry, with many famous musicians and actors hailing from the state.
The state capital, Owerri, is a rapidly developing city that is home to several major industries and businesses. Imo State is also home to several prestigious universities and colleges, including the Federal University of Technology Owerri and Imo State University.
4. Ebonyi state – 5,670 sq.km
Ebonyi State is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria and is bordered by Benue State to the north, Enugu State to the west, Imo and Abia States to the south, and Cross River State to the east. It was created in 1996 from the eastern half of the former Abia State. With a land area of 5,670 square kilometers, Ebonyi is the fourth smallest state in Nigeria by land area. Its capital city is Abakaliki.
The state is largely agrarian with agriculture being the mainstay of its economy. Major crops grown in Ebonyi State include rice, yam, cassava, maize, and beans. The state is also home to several solid mineral deposits including lead, zinc, and salt. Ebonyi State is known for its tourist attractions which include the Amanchore Cave, Ndibe Beach, and the Okposi Salt Lake.
5. Abia state – 6,320 sq.km
Abia State is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria and is bordered by Imo State to the west, Ebonyi State to the east, Rivers and Akwa Ibom States to the south, and Enugu State to the north. It was created in 1991 from part of Imo State. With a land area of 6,320 square kilometers, Abia is the fifth smallest state in Nigeria by land area. Its capital city is Umuahia.
Abia State is known for its commercial activities, particularly in the areas of trade and industry. The state is home to several industries including shoe manufacturing, garment making, and food processing. The state is also home to a number of tourist attractions including the National War Museum in Umuahia, the Ngwa Pottery in Aba, and the Long Juju Slave Route in Arochukwu.
6. Ekiti state – 6,353 sq.km
Ekiti State is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and is bordered by Ondo State to the north, Osun State to the east, and Kogi State to the west. It was created in 1996 from part of Ondo State. With a land area of 6,353 square kilometers, Ekiti is the sixth smallest state in Nigeria by land area. Its capital city is Ado Ekiti.
Ekiti State is known for its educational prowess, with a high literacy rate and a number of tertiary institutions including the Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State University, and Afe Babalola University. The state is also home to a number of tourist attractions including the Ikogosi Warm Springs, the Ewi’s Palace in Ado Ekiti, and the Olosunta Hills in Ikere Ekiti. The economy of the state is largely agrarian with the main crops grown being yam, cassava, and rice.
7. Akwa Ibom state – 7,081 sq.km
Akwa Ibom state is located in the southern part of Nigeria and is one of the smallest states in the country with an area of 7,081 square kilometers. It was created in 1987 from the former Cross River State and is home to over 5 million people.
The state’s economy is largely dependent on agriculture and fishing, with a significant contribution from the oil and gas industry. Akwa Ibom is known for its beautiful beaches, including the famous Ikot Abasi Beach, and its rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional dance, music, and festivals.
8. Enugu state – 7,161 sq.km
Enugu state is another small state in Nigeria, with an area of 7,161 square kilometers. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Enugu is also known as the “coal city” due to its history as a major coal mining area. The state is home to several universities, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
The people of Enugu are known for their rich cultural traditions, including the Igbo language, which is widely spoken in the region.
9. Federal Capital Territory – 7,315 sq.km
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the smallest state in Nigeria with an area of 7,315 square kilometers. It is located in the center of the country and serves as the capital city of Nigeria. The FCT was created in 1976 and is home to many government institutions and foreign embassies.
The city is known for its modern architecture and infrastructure, including the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre. The FCT also has several parks and recreational areas, including the Millennium Park and the National Children’s Park and Zoo. Despite being the smallest state in Nigeria, the FCT is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a diverse population from all over the country.
10. Osun state – 9,251 sq.km
Osun State is located in southwestern Nigeria, and it covers an area of 9,251 square kilometers. The state was created in 1991, and its capital city is Osogbo. The population of the state is approximately 4 million people, and the predominant language spoken in the state is Yoruba.
Osun State is known for its rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions. Some of the notable tourist attractions in the state include the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Erin Ijesha Waterfall, which is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world; and the Ife Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts that showcase the history and culture of the Yoruba people.
The state is also known for its agricultural productivity, with crops such as cocoa, yam, cassava, and palm oil being the mainstay of the economy. The state also has a significant presence in the mining sector, with abundant mineral resources such as gold, granite, and limestone.
Which is the Smallest State in Nigeria?
Even though it is the smallest state in Nigeria with a land area of 3,345 km2, Lagos boasts being the richest and most economically vibrant state in the country. Its capital, Ibadan, in comparison, has a land area of 3,080 km2, which is almost 70% of the entire Lagos state. Despite its small size, Lagos is also known to be the most technologically advanced and the most developed state in Nigeria with a development index of 0.686.
What Lagos lacks in land area, it makes up for in population. With a population of over 20 million people, Lagos is the most densely populated state in Nigeria with 2,500 people per square kilometre. The state’s per capita income is $4,333, and it boasts an economy with a GDP of over $100 billion.
In summary, although Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria, it has a booming economy, is technologically advanced, and has a high population density. Its development index is also impressive, making it the most developed state in Nigeria.
Which is the Smallest City in Nigeria 2023?
Smallest City in Nigeria by Population:
Asaba is a city located on a hill at the western edge of the Niger River, overlooking its sister city, Onitsha, across the Niger Bridge. It is the capital of Delta State in Nigeria and has a total area of 268 square kilometers. As a fast-developing urban area, Asaba had a population of 149,603 people during the 2006 census, which makes it the smallest city in Nigeria by population.
Its metropolitan population, however, is over half a million people. Asaba is in the UTC+1 (GMT) time zone.
Smallest City in Nigeria by Land Mass:
Osogbo is the capital of Osun State in Nigeria and is the smallest city in Nigeria by land mass. It is easily accessible from any part of the state because of its central location and shares boundaries with Ikirun, Ilesa, Ede, Egbedore, and Iragbiji.
The city is about 48 kilometers from Ife, 32 kilometers from Ilesa, 46 kilometers from Iwo, 48 kilometers from Ikire, and 46 kilometers from Ila-Orangun. The total area of Osogbo is 47 square kilometers, and it had a population of about 156,694 people during the 2006 census. The postal code for the area is 230, and Osogbo is also in the UTC+1 (GMT) time zone.
Smallest Nigerian States
Nigeria has 36 states and a federal capital territory, with Lagos being the smallest in terms of land area, covering 3,345 square kilometers. Although small in size, Lagos State is the most populous and economically vibrant state in Nigeria, known for its diverse economy, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks.
The other nine smallest states, including Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia, are also culturally rich, with diverse populations and economies largely driven by agriculture. Despite their size, these states have made significant strides in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, and are poised to continue to make progress in the coming years.
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