Today is another wonderful day and I’m here with a list of the top 10 richest state in Nigeria.
Not quite long, we made a post on the list of 36 states and capital in Nigeria, you should check that out.
Have you been thinking about where to settle down, a state to look for high a paying job? Perhaps you are curious to know more about the richest states in Nigeria?
This article gives you info about the wealthiest states in Nigeria, their revenue sources and investments.
As we all know it, Nigeria is no doubt a beautiful and most influential country in Africa, blessed with natural resources which include natural gas, iron ore, tin, coal, and limestone.
In fact, Naija is the top largest producer of oil in Africa and the 3rd largest producer of oil in Africa.
However, I have listed these top 20 richest states in Nigeria based on IGR i.e Internally Generated Revenue and the GDP growth rate.
The growth measures how fast the economy of a state is growing. In fact, some of these richest states can survive without the help of the Federal Government because the IGR is enough to cater for their needs.
Their source of wealth can come from sectors like agriculture, sports and tourism. Most oil producing state are super rich since Nigeria is dependent on oil.
Top 10 Richest State In Nigeria and Their Gross Domestic Products
Listed below is the most current list of top 10 richest states in Nigeria.
Lagos State [$33.679 billion GDP]
Lagos state is known as “The Centre of excellence” is the first state on my list of top 10 richest state in Nigeria with the lowest poverty index of 8.5%. It was created on May 27, 1967.
Lagos was a one-time capital of Nigeria but as things evolved, the Abuja is now the capital of Nigeria. Read about the History of Abuja and how it was created and chosen as Nigeria’s capital.
Lagos is located in the South Western part of Nigeria. Though it has a small land mass with the territorial area of 351,861 hectares and a population of over 10 million, it is the most developed state in Nigeria.
Lagos has the highest urban population and it is made up of five administrative divisions namely, Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos (Eko) and Epe. You should read more about the 20 local governments in Lagos state in this post.
Lagos state is one of the most important states in Nigeria as it can stand on its own without any allocation from the government because the major source of Lagos state IGR is tax from companies, citizens and business owners.
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It has some tourism sites which include Bar beach in Victoria Island, Lekki beach in Apapa Tarkwa Bay and lots more which is also a major source of employment and this is playing a major role in its development.
Lagos state stands at $4,333 for it’s per capital level while a total of $33.679 billion is recorded for its (GDP) Gross Domestic Product
Rivers state [$21.0763 billion GDP]
Here is another one on my list of top 10 richest states in Nigeria; the capital is Port Harcourt which is the center of Nigeria’s oil refineries.
In Nigeria, Rivers state is the sixth most populous state. With over 6 million inhabitants it extends across 11,077 square kilometers.
Rivers state has oil refineries which serve as Nigeria’s largest deposit of crude oil, airports, seaports and various industrial estates. Other natural resources found are silica sand, glass sand, and clay.
It has some tourist attractions which include Finima Beach, Poth Harcourt tourist beach, Statue of King Jaja of Opobo.
Based on IGR, Rivers state has a per capita level estimated at $3,965 while its total GDP accounts for $21.0763 billion. It is believed that there is money in this state because of the numerous industries established there.
Also Read: The great advantages of mineral resources
Delta state [$16.179 billion in GDP]
This state which is also on my top list of 10 richest states in Nigeria is known as a state leading in renewable energy as well as oil production.
Delta state is located at the South Southern zone of the country with a population of over 4 million people and a landmass of 17, 689 square kilometers.
Delta state has a total of $3,990 as it’s per capital level and a total GDP of $16.179 billion.
It has two of the biggest cement producers in Nigeria who have an operation in the state; Dangote cement and Bua group.
Oyo state [$16 billion GDP]
Oyo state must not be excluded on my list of top 10 richest state in Nigeria. It has GDP of over $16 billion and a total of $2,666 for it’s per capital level. It is located in South Western Nigeria.
The largest city in West Africa is Ibadan which is Oyo state capital. This state is also blessed with a variety of natural resources which can be utilized as inputs in the economy of the state. The climate also favors the cultivation of crops like maize, rice, plantain, cocoa e.t.c.
Imo state [$14.212 billion GDP] – The Richest state in Igboland Nigeria
Imo state which is located in the South Eastern zone of Nigeria is also on my list of top 10 richest state in Nigeria.
This state is blessed with several oil companies which include Chevron Corporation, Royal Dutch Shell and many more.
It also has several resources like white clay, fine sand, limestone and lots more. The natural resources found in this state has really contributed to the growth of the country. The state per capita level is around $3,527 with $14.212 billion in total GDP.
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Kano state [$12.393 billion GDP]
Another one on my top list of 10 richest state in Nigeria which is located in the Northern part of Nigeria is Kano state.
Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria with a population of 11 million people. It is also one of the top 20 largest states in Nigeria, you should check that out.
Kano state which is known as a commercial Centre has a per capita level of $1, 288 and its total GDP estimated at $12.393 billion.
Edo state [$11.888 billion in overall GDP]
Every time I think about the Edo state, Ini Edo comes to mind, one of top Nollywood actresses of all time, though she’s from Akwaibom state; maybe because of the name sha.
Edo state which is called “Heartbeat of Nigeria” located in the South southern zone of Nigeria also makes my list of top 10 richest states in Nigeria.
This state is made up of four major ethnic groups which are the Binis, Esan, Owan and Afemai. When we talk about agriculture Edo state has good land for the production of timber, rubber, and tubers.
The state per capita level is estimated at $3.623 and $11.888 billion in overall GDP. Edo state is also blessed with several tourist centers which include River Niger Beach, Ise Lake, and many others.
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Akwa Ibom State [$11.179 billion]
This is another oil-producing state which has also made the list of 10 richest state in Nigeria. This city became the capital of Akwa Ibom state on September 23, 1987.
Akwa Ibom is a state with a landmass extends across 7,081 square kilometres and has a population of over 5 million people.
I’m sure you know the capital of this state is Uyo but did you know that Akwa Ibom state was created on 23rd September 1987 from the former Cross River state?
Have you been to the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state? If you haven’t you’re missing oo. This state is too much.
Also Read: Top 10 Richest Footballer In Nigeria and Their Net Worth
The state has a per capita level of $2,779 and its total GDP is valued at $11.179 billion. With this, it must not be excluded from my list of the top 20 richest states in Nigeria.
Ogun state [$10.334 billion]
The 9 the state on my top 10 list of richest states in Nigeria is Ogun state. This is another industrialized state with the highest number of factories which is located in the Southwestern part of Nigeria.
It has many factories which include Dangote Cement, Coleman cables, Indomie Noodles, and Lafarge cement among many others.
Ogun state with an estimated per capita level of $2, 744 and total GDP estimated at $10.334 billion is one state that’s popular in Nigeria.
Obviously, you will agree with me that Ogun state must be in this list of the richest state in Nigeria.
Kaduna State [$10.334 billion]
Kaduna state with a total population of over 6 million inhabitants and a land mass of 46,053 square kilometers is the 10th richest state in Nigeria.
As per economic standards, Kaduna state has a per capita level of $1,666 and its GDP is estimated to be $10.334 billion
Kaduna state is a leading industrial state which is also known for its pottery. With this, it must not be excluded among my list of top 20 richest states in Nigeria.
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More List of Top Ten Richest States In Nigeria Today
You’ve seen the top 10, now we have 10 more to make our list of top 20 richest state in Nigeria.
Cross Rivers state [$9,292 billion GDP]
Cross River state is situated in the south-east zone of Nigeria and it covers a land mass of 20, 156 square kilometers, with a total population of over 4 million people.
Economically, cross river state on this list of top richest state in Nigeria based on the GDP of $9,292 billion and has a per capita level of $5,150.
Abia state [$8.687 billion GDP]
Here is another state on my list of richest states in Nigeria. It is located in the southern part of Nigeria and covers a landmass of 6, 320 square kilometres and has a population of over 3million people.
Abia state is also one of Nigeria’s oil deposit state. With this, it has a per capita level of $3,000 and an overall GDP of $8.687 billion.
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Ondo state [$8.414 billion]
Ondo state which is located at the South Western part of 9ja is 13th on my list of top 20 richest states in Nigeria.
It has a land mass of 15, 500 square kilometers and a population of over 3 million inhabitants.
Ondo state was created on the 3rd of February 1976 from the former Western state. The people in Ondo state are from the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria and Yoruba is the spoken language.
Did you know that the richest traditional leader in Nigeria is from this state?
Based on economic standards Ondo state has a per capita level of $3,392 and a total GDP of $8.414 billion
Osun state [$7.28 billion]
Osun state is an inland state in south-western Nigeria. Its capital is Osogbo. It is bounded in the north by Kwara State, in the east partly by Ekiti State and partly by Ondo State, in the south by Ogun State and in the west by Oyo State.
Osun state is located in the South Western zone of Nigeria with a population of 4.2 million inhabitants and a land mass of about 9,251 square kilometers.
Did you know that Vice President of Nigeria Professor Yemi Osibajo’s mother is from Ejigbo in Osun state? Check out the names and pictures of all Nigerian presidents till date
Economically, Osun state must not be omitted on my list of top 20 richest states in Nigeria as it has a per capita level of $2,076 with an overall GDP of $7.28 billion.
Benue State [$6.864 billion]
Benue state is also distinguished as one of the 20 richest states in Nigeria. Benue state is named after the Benue river and it also has a population of over 4.2 million people as recorded in the last census.
February 3, 1976, saw the creation of Benue state – a multilingual state with languages like Idoma, Tiv, Igede, Etulo, Abakwa, Jukun, Hausa, Akweya, and Nifon.
The Tiv are the dominant ethnic group, occupying 14 local government areas, while the Idoma and Igede occupy the remaining nine local government areas
Also Read: The Structure and Functions of Local Government In Nigeria
Economically Benue state per capital level is estimated at $1,592 and its total GDP is around $6.864 billion.
Anambra State [$6.744 billion]
Anambra is also one of the richest state in Nigeria. Anambra is the 8th most populated state in Nigeria and the 2nd most densely populated in Nigeria after Lagos.
The name Anambra was originally Oma Mbala, The name was a tribute to the Oma Mbala river. The state was created on the 27th of August 1991 from the east-central state.
Based on the state economy, it’s per capita level is estimated at $11,615 while its total GDP is around $6.744 billion.
Katsina State [$6.022 billion GDP]
Here is another state which is situated in the North-Western part of Nigeria. It has a total population of about 6.5 million people and it is majorly dominated by the Hausas.
Katsina state has a per capita level of $1,017 and its overall GDP is valued at $6.022 billion
Niger state [$6.002 billion GDP]
First, you should know that Nigeria’s richest politician – Ibrahim Babangida is from Niger state.
Niger state is located in the Northcentral zone of Nigeria and it covers 76,363 square kilometers of Nigeria land mass. It also has a population of 4 million people.
With the presence of Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam this state is also considered as the powerhouse of Nigeria. The GDP is placed at $6.002 billion with per capital level of $1,480.
Majority of numerous indigenous tribes of Niger state include the Nupe, Gbagyi, Kamuku, Kambari, Dukawa, and Koro. Yes, Niger state should be on the list of top 20 richest states in Nigeria.
Also Read: The population of Nigeria by states
Borno state [$5.18 billion]
Borno state is located in the North Western part of Nigeria. The state’s population is up to 6 million inhabitants and it’s land mass extends across 57,790 square kilometers.
The economy of Borno state boast of a per capita level of $1,214 and its total GDP is estimated $5.18 billion. It is the 19th richest state in Nigeria.
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Plateau state [$5.154 billion]
Plateau state is the last on my list of the richest states in Nigeria. It is located approximately in the center of the country. It is geographically unique in Nigeria because with Jos being its capital.
It has landmass of about 3,178 square kilometers and this state is also a home for tourist attractions which include Wase rocks, Wildlife safari park and many more. Plateau state has a per capita level of $1,158 while its overall GDP stands at $5.154 billion.
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More Info About The Richest State in Igboland Nigeria
I have also come up with more information about the richest state in Igboland Nigeria.
Imo state was created in 1976. It is located in the South East of Nigeria with Owerri as the state capital. The state depends on agriculture and commerce and it is also an oil-rich state with over 163 oil wells at different locations in the state.
Owerri, the capital Imo State, is the home of the Nekede Botanical Garden, a well-tended area for displaying varieties of plants labeled with their botanical names. It’s a spectacular garden on a large landscape with ever-changing beauty.
The Ada Palm Plantation Complex situated in Imo State is believed to be the biggest and most viable oil palm plantations in West Africa.
The palm plantation was established in 1974, occupies about 4,310 hectares of land, with a housing estate and was one of the nation’s major sources of foreign exchange before the discovery of Petroleum.
This state is predominantly occupied by the Igbos. This state is a business hub to companies and industries.
The natural resources found in this state have contributed to the growth of this state and it has a poverty rate of 19.8% and the overall GDP of $14.212 billion with it’s per capita level of $3,527.
The Poorest State in Nigeria
Though Nigeria is among the richest country in Africa some state also lags behind in the aspects of economic growth and development.
Let me give you some information on the poorest state in Nigeria based on the poverty rate, and internally generated revenue.
The Poorest State In Nigeria is Sokoto state
Sokoto state is located in the extreme North West of Nigeria. Based on the 2006 general population census Sokoto state has a population of over 3 million people and it is dominated by the Hausas and Fulanis.
Sokoto state is rated as the poorest state in Nigeria as it is surrounded by sandy soil and isolated hills. The poverty level ranked 81.2%.
In fact, this has stopped most people especially the foreigners to settle down in the state and the general dryness of the region allows for the growth of few crops and other cereals.
Top 10 Richest State in Nigeria Today (Summary)
There you have it on my list of 20 richest states in Nigeria, starting with Lagos state topping the chart of the top 10 richest states in Nigeria.
As you can see some states can survive without federal government allocation and also the wealth of some of the richest states in Nigeria goes beyond crude oil while others are far behind in economy.
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