List of 36 States in Nigeria and Their Capitals

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is a federal republic consisting of 36 states and a Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Each state has its own government structure and operates semi-autonomously under the Nigerian Constitution. Understanding the structure of these states and their capitals is essential for appreciating Nigeria's diversity, culture, and administrative framework.

In this article, you’ll find a complete and updated list of the 36 Nigerian states along with their capitals, categorized for easier reference. Whether you are a student, traveler, researcher, or policy analyst, this list serves as a valuable reference for understanding the geopolitical layout of Nigeria.

🗺️ Nigeria’s Federal Structure

Nigeria operates under a federal system of government, where powers are shared between the central government and the individual states. Each of the 36 states has its own executive, legislature, and judiciary. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which houses Abuja, serves as the national capital and is governed by the Federal Government directly.

📍 Complete List of 36 Nigerian States and Their Capitals

Here is the official alphabetical list of all 36 states in Nigeria along with their capital cities:

S/N	State	Capital
1	Abia	Umuahia
2	Adamawa	Yola
3	Akwa Ibom	Uyo
4	Anambra	Awka
5	Bauchi	Bauchi
6	Bayelsa	Yenagoa
7	Benue	Makurdi
8	Borno	Maiduguri
9	Cross River	Calabar
10	Delta	Asaba
11	Ebonyi	Abakaliki
12	Edo	Benin City
13	Ekiti	Ado-Ekiti
14	Enugu	Enugu
15	Gombe	Gombe
16	Imo	Owerri
17	Jigawa	Dutse
18	Kaduna	Kaduna
19	Kano	Kano
20	Katsina	Katsina
21	Kebbi	Birnin Kebbi
22	Kogi	Lokoja
23	Kwara	Ilorin
24	Lagos	Ikeja
25	Nasarawa	Lafia
26	Niger	Minna
27	Ogun	Abeokuta
28	Ondo	Akure
29	Osun	Osogbo
30	Oyo	Ibadan
31	Plateau	Jos
32	Rivers	Port Harcourt
33	Sokoto	Sokoto
34	Taraba	Jalingo
35	Yobe	Damaturu
36	Zamfara	Gusau

📌 Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Territory: FCT
Capital City: Abuja

🧭 Nigeria’s Geopolitical Zones

Nigeria’s 36 states are grouped into six geopolitical zones. These zones are used for political, economic, and cultural organization and planning.

North Central: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, FCT
North East: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe
North West: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara
South East: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo
South South: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers
South West: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo

📜 Historical Background

The evolution of Nigeria’s states began after independence in 1960. Originally composed of regions, the country underwent multiple state creation exercises from 1967 to 1996 to improve governance and representation. The last state creation occurred in 1996, bringing the total to 36 states plus the FCT.

💡 Why You Should Know Nigeria’s States and Capitals

Understanding Nigeria’s states and their capitals is crucial for:

Education and Exams – Especially for school curricula and national exams.
Business and Travel – Essential for logistics, market research, and planning.
Governance and Policy – For understanding local laws, governance, and regional responsibilities.
Tourism and Culture – To appreciate Nigeria’s incredible diversity and cultural richness.

🧾 Conclusion

Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory form the backbone of its federal governance structure. Each state plays a unique role in the political, cultural, and economic development of the nation. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply curious, knowing this list enhances your understanding of Nigeria’s national framework.

Stay informed, stay connected, and explore Nigeria—state by state!