Smallest States in Nigeria By Population 2024: Nigeria “The Giant OF Africa” as it is popularly known is a country situated in the western part of Africa.
The country is known for its numerous mineral resources scattered across different states in the country.
Some of the popular mineral resources include petroleum, iron, gold, coal, limestone, zinc, Uranium, silver, and so on.
The country Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa and every other black nation in the whole with an estimated population of 230,842,743 people and a total landmass of 923,769 km2.
However, the large land mass and huge population of Nigeria are not shared equally among the 36 states plus the federal capital city (FCT).
Some states occupy small landmass compared to other states while some others have a larger population compared to others.
In this article, we will be looking at the top 10 smallest states in Nigeria based on the population of the state as of 2024.
The last Census that took place in Nigeria was in the year 2006. That happened more than 18 years ago.
Statistics have shown that the population of these states has grown arithmetically beyond the figures shown by the 2006 census.
We are going to be looking at the smallest states in Nigeria by population according to the projection by the National Bureau of Statistics as of 2019 based on the 2006 census conducted by the National Population Commission.
See Also: Richest Musician Bodyguard In Nigeria
Top 10 Smallest States In Nigeria By Population 2024
1. Bayelsa State – 2,394,725
2. Nasarawa – 2,632,239
3. Federal Capital City (FCT) – 2,702,443
4. Ebonyi State – 3,007,155
5. Kwara State – 3,259,613
6. Taraba State – 3,331,885
7. Ekiti State – 3,350,401
8. Yobe State – 3,398,177
9. Gombe State – 3,623,462
10. Abia State – 3,841,943
See Also: Top 10 Countries With The Largest Population In Africa – 2024 Review
Before we go into them in detail, there are preparations by the Federal Government of Nigeria to conduct another census soon.
Be reassured that once the census takes place, this list will be updated immediately.
1. Bayelsa State – 2,394,725: Bayelsa state is the smallest state in Nigeria by population as of 2024 with 2,394,725 people. The state is located in the south-south region of Nigeria with Yenagoa as its capital city.
The total number of registered live births by the state and sector in 2019 was 199. Comprises of 104 birth rates from the Urban area and 95 from the rural area.
Bayelsa State is bordered by River State (to the east) and Delta State (to the north).
The commonly spoken language in Bayelsa state is Ijaw. It is interesting to know that Bayelsa state is one of the states that contribute the highest revenue to the Federal government because the state houses one of the major mineral resources in the country “Petroleum”.
2. Nasarawa State – 2,632,239: Nasarawa State is the second state smallest state in Nigeria by population with 2,632,239 people residing in the state.
Nasarawa state is located in the North Central region of the country with “Lafia” as its capital city.
As of 2019, Nasarawa state has a total of 120,920 registered live births in the state. While 66,726 of the registered live births happened in the state’s urban area, 54,194 of the remaining live births rate were registered in the rural area.
The state covers a land mass of 26,256 km2 and a per capita income of over $4,099 US Dollars.
Nasarawa state is ranked 17th out of the 36 states in Nigeria with its economy largely based on Agriculture.
Nasarawa state has 13 local government areas each headed by a local government chairman who is accountable to the state governor.
See Also: Best AI Tool For DIgital Marketing In Nigeria
3. Federal Capital City (FCT) – 2,702,443: The Federal Capital City (FCT) of Nigeria, Abuja is the third smallest state in Nigeria as of 2024 with a population of 2,702,443.
The capital city houses the residence of the president of Nigeria “Aso Rock”. However, has been headed by a minister appointed by the President. The current Minister of FCT is Ezenwo Nyesom Wike CON.
Abuja as of 2019 had a 218,842 registered live birth rate in the capital city.
Abuja has a land mass of 7,315km2 and is known to be located at the center of the country, Nigeria.
Statistically, Abuja is known to be the 8th most developed territory in the country.
4. Ebonyi State – 3,007,155: Ebonyi state is a south-eastern state in Nigeria sharing a border with the following states; Enugu, Benue, Abia, and Cross River state.
The estimated population of the state is 3,007,155 which makes them the fourth smallest state in Nigeria by Population.
Ebonyi State as of 2019, had a total of 76,946 registered live birth rate in the country.
The registered birth rate reduced as compared to the preceding year registered live birth in the state. The 2018 registered live birth rate was 95,998.
The state with a land mass of 6,400km2 is economically known for its infrastructural development and agricultural contribution to the national income. The capital of Ebonyi state is “Abakaliki”.
Some of the known agricultural produce of Ebonyi state are oil palm, yam, cassava, potatoes, and rice.
The Gross domestic product of Ebonyi state for 2023 is $12.2 billion US Dollars with a per capita income of $3,634 US Dollars.
Ebonyi State is ranked among the fastest-developing cities in Africa.
Article For You: Top 10 Advertising Agencies In Nigeria
5. Kwara State – 3,259,613: Kwara state is the fifth smallest state in Nigeria with a population of 3,259,613 people. The state is located in the north-central part of Nigeria with its capital city as “Ilorin”. The state comprises 16 local governments.
Kwara state was created by Yakubu Gowon in 1967 and since then has been known for its significant contribution to the growth of the country.
As of 2021, Kwara state had an estimated gross domestic product of $8.91 Billion US Dollars and a per capita income of $2,401 US Dollars.
6. Taraba State – 3,331,885: Taraba state can be found geographically in the northeastern part of Nigeria with an estimated population of 3,331,885 residents.
As a result, Taraba state is known as the sixth smallest state in Nigeria by Population.
Taraba State has a Landmass of 54,473 Km2 a gross domestic product of $13.27 Billion US Dollars and a per capita income of $3,720 US Dollars as of 2021.
Though, Taraba state is the 6th smallest state by population, however, Taraba state is the third largest state in Nigeria by landmass.
See Also: Biggest tech Companies In Nigeria And Their Net Worth
7. Ekiti State – 3,350,401: Ekiti state with a population of 3,350,401 is the 7th smallest state in Nigeria by population.
Ekiti state is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria and its capital city is known as “Ado-Ekiti”.
Ekiti state with its 16 local government areas has a total land mass of 6,353 Km2. The state shares a border with Kwara, Kogi, Ondo,, and Osun State.
8. Yobe State – 3,398,177: Yobe State “The Pride of Sahel” is the 8th least populous state in Nigeria with a population of 3,398,177 and is located in the Northeastern part of Nigeria.
One interesting thing about Yobe State is the discovery of unique mineral resources (gypsum and kaolin) and also its large cattle market in the state.
Yobe State has a land mass of 45,502 Km2 and gross domestic product of $7.05 Billion US Dollars and a per capita income of $1,797 US Dollars as of 2021.
9. Gombe State – 3,623,462: The Gombe state is located in the North-eastern part of Nigeria with a population of 3,623,462.
The state geographically covers a landmass of 18,768 Km2. Gombe state is the 21st largest state in Nigeria by Landmass.
Gombe state is also known economically for agricultural produce which mainly includes maize, tomatoes, millet, and groundnuts.
Gombe state has a gross domestic product (GDP) of $13.58 Billion US Dollars and a per capita income of $3,553 US Dollars as of 2021.
See Also: How To Leave Nigeria | Easiest And Fastest Route
10. Abia State – 3,841,943: Abia State “God’s Own State” with an estimated population of 3,841,943 is the 10th smallest state in Nigeria by population.
Abia state is located in the Southeastern part of Nigeria and is surrounded by the following states; Enugu state, Imo State, Anambra State, Ebonyi State, River State, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
As of 2019, Abia state has 131,790 total registered live births by state and sector. 47,886 live birth was recorded in the urban area of the state while 83,904 live birth was recorded in the rural area of the state.
See Also: Worst Countries To Study Accounting/Finance in The World
Conclusion
Alright, these are the top 10 smallest states in Nigeria by population.
However, some of these states despite with little population have a very large land mass and still generate huge amounts of money as their GDP.
If you have any questions, you can drop them in the comment and I will be delighted to provide answers.
Pingback: Biggest Tech Companies In Nigeria 2024 & Their Net Worth: Top 10
Pingback: Five Advantages And Disadvantages Of Fuel Subsidy Removal in Nigeria