Names of Nigeria's 36 States with their Capitals and Slogan

Last Updated on May 31, 2024 by admin

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a diverse country located in West Africa. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant history, Nigeria is home to 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)Abuja , each with its own unique identity.

Nigeria is home to a wealth of natural resources, most notably significant reserves of petroleum and natural gas. Niger is to the north of Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon are to the east, the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean is to the south, and Benin is to the west. Nigeria has a total land area of 356,669 square miles (923,768 sq km).

In terms of government, Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones. Each zone is made up of at least six states, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, is the center of government. Nigeria is a federation of 36 states and capitals and one Federal Capital Territory in West Africa.

It has about 250 distinct cultural groups, the most prominent of which are the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo.For the purpose of this article we are going to list Nigeria’s 36 states, as well as its capital and slogan

Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones, primarily for administrative and political purposes. These zones are:

North Central (Middle Belt):This zone comprises Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

2. North East:This zone includes Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe States

3. North West:This zone consists of Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

4. South East:This zone comprises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.

5. South South (Niger Delta):This zone consists of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers States.

5.South West:This zone includes Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States.

State	Capital	Slogan
Abia	Umuahia	God’s Own State
Adamawa	Yola	Land of Beauty
Akwa Ibom	Uyo	Land of Promise
Anambra	Awka	Light of the Nation
Bauchi	Bauchi	Pearl of Tourism
Bayelsa	Yenagoa	Glory of all Lands
Benue	Makurdi	Food Basket of the Nation
Borno	Maiduguri	Home of Peace
Cross River	Calabar	The People’s Paradise
Delta	Asaba	The Big Heart
Ebonyi	Abakaliki	Salt of the Nation
Edo	Benin City	Heartbeat of Nigeria
Ekiti	Ado Ekiti	Fountain of Knowledge
Enugu	Enugu	Coal City State
Gombe	Gombe	Jewel of the Savannah
Imo	Owerri	Eastern Heartland
Jigawa	Dutse	The New World
Kaduna	Kaduna	Centre of Learning/Liberal State
Kano	Kano	Centre of Commerce
Katsina	Katsina	Home of Hospitality
Kebbi	Birnin Kebbi	Land of Equity
Kogi	Lokoja	Confluence State
Kwara	Ilorin	State of Harmony
Lagos	Ikeja	Centre of Excellence
Nasarawa	Lafia	Home of Solid Minerals
Niger	Minna	Power State
Ogun	Abeokuta	Gateway State
Ondo	Akure	Sunshine State
Osun	Osogbo	Land of Virtue
Oyo	Ibadan	Pace Setter State
Plateau	Jos	Home of Peace and Tourism
Rivers	Port Harcourt	Treasure Base of the Nation
Sokoto	Sokoto	Seat of the Caliphate
Taraba	Jalingo	Nature’s Gift to the Nation
Yobe	Damaturu	Pride of the Sahel
Zamfara	Gusau	Farming is Our Pride
Federal Capital Territory (FCT)	Abuja	Centre of Unity

The Role of Capitals in Nigeria’s Governance

In Nigeria’s governance structure, capitals play several important roles at both the federal and state levels:

Federal Capital Territory (FCT):

Seat of Government: Abuja, the FCT, serves as the seat of the federal government, housing the presidency, national assembly, supreme court, and various ministries and agencies. This central location allows for efficient coordination and administration of national affairs.
Symbol of Unity: As a planned city built specifically to be the capital, Abuja symbolizes national unity and identity. Its diverse population and infrastructure reflect the aspirations of a united Nigeria.
Economic Hub: Abuja has grown into a major economic center, attracting investment and hosting multinational corporations. This contributes to the overall economic development of the nation.

State Capitals:

Administrative Centers: Each of Nigeria’s 36 states has a designated capital city that serves as the administrative headquarters of the state government. The governor, state assembly, judiciary, and various state ministries and agencies are located in these capitals.
Local Governance: State capitals act as centers for local governance and administration. They facilitate the delivery of public services, infrastructure development, and implementation of state policies.
Economic Development: Many state capitals are economic hubs within their respective regions, fostering trade, commerce, and industry. They often have better infrastructure and attract investment, contributing to the growth of the state’s economy.
Cultural and Social Centers: State capitals often serve as cultural and social centers, hosting festivals, events, and institutions that promote the unique identity and heritage of the state.

Challenges and Considerations:

Over concentration of Power: One concern is the over concentration of power and resources in the federal capital, Abuja, leading to uneven development across the country. Efforts are being made to decentralize power and promote development in other regions.
Infrastructure Deficits: Many state capitals still face challenges in terms of infrastructure development, including roads, electricity, water supply, and sanitation. Addressing these deficits is crucial for their effective functioning and growth.
Security Concerns: Some state capitals experience security challenges, which can hamper economic activities and the delivery of public services. The government is working to improve security measures in these areas.

Overall, the role of capitals in Nigeria’s governance is significant. They serve as centers of administration, economic activity, and cultural expression. The effective functioning of these capitals is essential for the overall development and progress of the nation.

Capital Cities as Hubs for Tourism and Investment in Nigeria

In Nigeria, capital cities play a crucial role as hubs for tourism and investment, attracting both domestic and international visitors and businesses. These cities often boast a unique blend of historical, cultural, and modern attractions, making them appealing destinations for various purposes.

Abuja (Federal Capital Territory):

Tourism: Abuja offers a range of attractions, including:
- Iconic landmarks: Aso Rock, National Mosque, National Christian Centre.
- Cultural centers: Millennium Park, National Children’s Park and Zoo.
- Natural beauty: Usman Dam, Jabi Lake.
Investment: Abuja’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, and government presence make it an attractive destination for investment in sectors like:
- Real estate
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Technology
- Financial services

State Capitals:

Many state capitals also offer unique tourism and investment opportunities:

Lagos: Nigeria’s economic capital, Lagos, boasts a vibrant nightlife, historical sites, beaches, and a thriving arts and culture scene. It is a major hub for investment in various sectors.
Calabar (Cross River State): Known for its annual Calabar Carnival, this city also offers historical sites, a beautiful landscape, and investment opportunities in tourism and agriculture.
Benin City (Edo State): This historical city showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Benin Kingdom, with attractions like the Benin National Museum and ancient palace ruins. It offers investment potential in arts and crafts, tourism, and agriculture.
Kaduna: As a major commercial center in Northern Nigeria, Kaduna offers investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. It also has historical and cultural attractions, including the Kaduna Museum and Kajuru Castle.

Nigeria’s Political Structure

Nigeria operates under a federal presidential republic and a representative democratic system, where the President is both the head of state and the head of government. The political structure is characterized by three distinct branches:

Executive Branch:

President: The President is the head of state and government, elected by popular vote for a maximum of two four-year terms. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, leading the armed forces, appointing ministers and other officials, and conducting foreign relations.
Vice President: The Vice President assists the President and assumes the presidency if the President is unable to perform their duties.
Cabinet: The President appoints ministers to oversee various ministries and departments of the government.
Federal Executive Council (FEC): This council, made up of the President, Vice President, and ministers, advises the President on policy matters.

Legislative Branch:

National Assembly: The bicameral legislature consists of:
- Senate: 109 members, three from each of the 36 states and one from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), serving four-year terms.
- House of Representatives: 360 members, allocated to states based on population, serving four-year terms.
Functions: The National Assembly is responsible for making laws, approving the budget, overseeing the executive branch, and representing the interests of the people.

Judicial Branch:

Supreme Court: The highest court in Nigeria, responsible for interpreting the constitution and ensuring justice is served.
Other Federal Courts: The Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, National Industrial Court, and Sharia Court of Appeal handle various cases at the federal level.
State Courts: Each state has its own judiciary system, including a state high court, magistrate courts, and customary courts.

Federalism:

Nigeria is a federation with 36 states and the FCT. Each state has its own government, consisting of a governor, state house of assembly, and judiciary. States have significant autonomy in certain areas, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, while the federal government has exclusive powers in areas like defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policy.

Political Parties:

Nigeria has a multi-party system, with several political parties competing in elections. The three major parties are the All Progressives Congress (APC) ,Labour party and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). However, there are many other smaller parties that also play a role in the political landscape.

Electoral System:

The President and members of the National Assembly are elected through direct popular vote. Governors and state legislators are also elected through popular vote within their respective states.

Challenges and Issues:

Nigeria’s political system faces several challenges, including corruption, electoral irregularities, ethnic and religious tensions, and insecurity. These issues have hindered the country’s development and have led to calls for reforms to strengthen democracy and improve governance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many states are there in Nigeria?

A: Nigeria has 36 states.

Q: What is the capital of Nigeria?

A: The capital of Nigeria is Abuja, located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Q: What are the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria?

A: The six geopolitical zones are North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West.

Q: Can you name some states and their capitals in each geopolitical zone?

A: Yes, here are some examples:

North Central: Benue (Makurdi), Kogi (Lokoja), Kwara (Ilorin), Nasarawa (Lafia), Niger (Minna), Plateau (Jos), FCT (Abuja)
North East: Adamawa (Yola), Bauchi (Bauchi), Borno (Maiduguri), Gombe (Gombe), Taraba (Jalingo), Yobe (Damaturu)
North West: Jigawa (Dutse), Kaduna (Kaduna), Kano (Kano), Katsina (Katsina), Kebbi (Birnin Kebbi), Sokoto (Sokoto), Zamfara (Gusau)
South East: Abia (Umuahia), Anambra (Awka), Ebonyi (Abakaliki), Enugu (Enugu), Imo (Owerri)
South South: Akwa Ibom (Uyo), Bayelsa (Yenagoa), Cross River (Calabar), Delta (Asaba), Edo (Benin City), Rivers (Port Harcourt)
South West: Ekiti (Ado-Ekiti), Lagos (Ikeja), Ogun (Abeokuta), Ondo (Akure), Osun (Osogbo), Oyo (Ibadan)

Q: Which state is the most populous in Nigeria?

A: Kano State is the most populous state in Nigeria.

Q: Which state is the largest in terms of land area?

A: Niger State is the largest state in Nigeria by land area.

Q: What is the smallest state in Nigeria?

A: Lagos State is the smallest state in Nigeria by land area.

Q: Why was Abuja chosen as the capital of Nigeria?

A: Abuja was chosen as the capital due to its central location, neutral ethnic composition, and potential for planned development.

Q: Which state was the first to be created in Nigeria?

A: The Mid-Western Region, which later became Edo and Delta States, was the first state created in Nigeria in 1963.

Q: Are there any plans to create more states in Nigeria?

A: While there have been calls for the creation of more states, no concrete plans have been finalized at this time.