Top 7 Largest States in Nigeria by Land Mass

Have you ever thought and asked yourself, “Which state in Nigeria is the largest in terms of land mass?”

The country is vast, both in terms of land area and population. As Africa’s most populous nation, it boasts around 230 million people, making up about 2.35% of the world’s population.

Home to over 500 ethnic groups, the three largest are the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. Also, the country is divided into six geopolitical zones, which further break down into thirty-six states.

In this article, we will share with you the top seven largest states in Nigeria by land mass, their unique characteristics and their significance.

1. Niger State

Niger State takes the first place as the largest state in Nigeria. It covers a whopping 76,363 square kilometers.

It is bordered by several states, including Kaduna to the northeast, Kogi to the southeast, and Kwara to the south, while the Niger River forms its southern boundary. The capital city, Minna, serves as a central hub for commerce and administration.

The predominant religion in the state is Islam and agriculture is the major occupation for about 85% of the population, with crops like yams, maize, and rice being widely cultivated.

Geographically, the state features a mix of wooded savannas and floodplains along the Niger and Kaduna Rivers. The climate is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with annual rainfall ranging from 1,100 mm in the northern areas to about 1,600 mm in the south.

Niger State is home to two of Nigeria’s major hydroelectric power stations—the Kainji Dam and the Shiroro Dam. It also boasts the Gurara Falls, located in the Gurara Local Government Area, which is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Also, the state is home to Kainji National Park, which features Kainji Lake and two game reserves: the Borgu Game Reserve and the Zugurma Game Reserve.

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2. Borno State 

Coming second on the list is Borno State, which spans 70,898 square kilometers. It is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria and is bordered by Yobe to the west and Adamawa to the south. The state is divided into 27 local government areas.

Also, it shares international borders with Niger to the north, Chad to the northeast, and Cameroon to the east. The state capital is Maiduguri, which serves as a central hub for trade and administration.

The state is primarily inhabited by the Kanuri people, who are the dominant ethnic group. In the southern region of Borno, you can also find smaller ethnic groups such as the Lamang, Babur, and Marghi.

Geographically, the state features a mix of semi-desert Sahelian savanna in the north and West Sudanian savanna in the central and southern parts. The state also includes part of Lake Chad and various seasonal rivers that feed into it. The land supports agriculture, with crops like millet, sorghum, and groundnuts being commonly cultivated.

3. Taraba State

Taraba State covers an area of 54,473 square kilometers and is often referred to as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation.”

The state, which is located in northeastern Nigeria, was established in 1991 from the southwestern part of the former Gongola State. The capital city, Jalingo, serves as the administrative and economic center of the state.

The state is home to the Mambilla Plateau, which rises to about 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level. Also, it is crisscrossed by several rivers, including the Taraba and Donga Rivers, which are vital for irrigation and fishing.

The Jukun is one of the largest ethnic groups in the state. Other significant groups include the Fulani, Mambilla, Chamba, and Kuteb. The state produces cash crops such as coffee, tea, groundnuts, and cotton.

Additionally, staple foods like maize, rice, sorghum, and cassava are cultivated in large quantities. Livestock farming is also prevalent, particularly on the Mambilla Plateau, where cattle, sheep, and goats are raised.

4. Kaduna State

Kaduna State is located in north-central Nigeria. It covers an area of approximately 46,053 square kilometers. The state is bordered by several states, including Zamfara to the north, Kano to the northeast, and Plateau to the east. The capital city, Kaduna, has long been a significant political and economic center in Nigeria.

Kaduna was established as the capital of Northern Nigeria during British colonial rule. The geography of Kaduna State features a mix of savanna woodlands and rocky terrains, with the Kaduna River flowing through it.

Also, the state is a home to numerous educational institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University and the Nigerian Defence Academy.

5. Bauchi State 

Bauchi State is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria. It was established in 1976 from the former North-Eastern State and covers an area of approximately 49,119 square kilometers.

Bauchi State is characterized by two distinct vegetation zones: the Sudan savannah in the south and the drier Sahel savannah in the north. This diverse landscape includes highlands in the southwestern part, which are extensions of the Jos Plateau, and several rivers, like the Gongola River, that flow through the region. The climate features a wet season from May to October and a dry season that can extend into March.

Also, the state is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the Tangale, Waja, Fulani, and Hausa. One of Bauchi’s key attractions is Yankari National Park, which features hot springs and diverse wildlife. The park houses various species such as waterbucks, African buffaloes, and even some of Nigeria’s last remaining lions. This makes it a popular destination for ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts.

6. Yobe State

Yobe State, also located in northeastern Nigeria, was established on August 27, 1991. It was carved out of Borno State to enhance administrative efficiency and foster development. The capital city is Damaturu, while Potiskum is the largest city and a major commercial hub known for its vibrant cattle market.

The state covers an area of approximately 45,500 square kilometers and features a predominantly Sudan savannah climate. It has a population of around 3.4 million people, with the Kanuri being the dominant ethnic group. Other notable groups include the Fulani, Ngizim, Bade, and Hausa.

7. Zamfara State 

Zamfara State was established on October 1, 1996, when it was carved out of Sokoto State. It covers approximately 39,761 square kilometers and has an estimated population of around 4.5 million people. The capital city is Gusau, which serves as the administrative and economic center of the state.

The state shares borders with Katsina to the east, Sokoto to the west, Niger State to the south, and the Republic of Niger to the north. The state is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, with smaller communities of Gwari, Kamuku, Kambari, Dukawa, Bussawa, and Zabarma. Islam is the principal religion in Zamfara, and the state was the first in Nigeria to implement Sharia law under former Governor Ahmad Sani Yerima.