Nigeria is a federation made up of 36 states, each functioning as a semi-autonomous entity under the framework of the country’s constitution. Alongside these states is the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which serves as the seat of the nation’s capital, Abuja. While the FCT is not categorized as a state, it is directly administered by the federal government through an appointed minister.
Each state is further divided into Local Government Areas (LGAs), totaling 774 across the country. Although the states possess significant administrative and legislative powers, they operate within the limits set by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Major constitutional changes require not only the approval of the National Assembly but also endorsement from a two-thirds majority of the 36 state legislatures.
In this post, we present a comprehensive list of Nigeria’s 36 states, highlighting their capitals, official slogans, current governors, creation history, and notable facts about each state. This detailed profile serves as a handy reference for anyone seeking to understand the political and geographical structure of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s 36 States: Capitals, Governors & Slogans (2025)
| S/N | State | Capital | Governor | Slogan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abia | Umuahia | Alex Otti (LP) | God’s Own State |
| 2 | Adamawa | Yola | Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (PDP) | Highest Peak of the Nation |
| 3 | Akwa Ibom | Uyo | Umo Eno (PDP) | Land of Promise |
| 4 | Anambra | Awka | Charles Soludo (APGA) | Light of the Nation |
| 5 | Bauchi | Bauchi | Bala Mohammed (PDP) | Pearl of Tourism |
| 6 | Bayelsa | Yenagoa | Douye Diri (PDP) | Glory of All Lands |
| 7 | Benue | Makurdi | Hyacinth Alia (APC) | Food Basket of the Nation |
| 8 | Borno | Maiduguri | Babagana Zulum (APC) | Home of Peace |
| 9 | Cross River | Calabar | Bassey Otu (APC) | The People’s Paradise |
| 10 | Delta | Asaba | Sheriff Oborevwori (PDP) | The Finger of God |
| 11 | Ebonyi | Abakaliki | Francis Nwifuru (APC) | Salt of the Nation |
| 12 | Edo | Benin City | Godwin Obaseki (PDP) | Heartbeat of the Nation |
| 13 | Ekiti | Ado-Ekiti | Biodun Oyebanji (APC) | Land of Honour and Integrity |
| 14 | Enugu | Enugu | Peter Mbah (PDP) | Coal City State |
| 15 | Gombe | Gombe | Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (APC) | Jewel in the Savannah |
| 16 | Imo | Owerri | Hope Uzodinma (APC) | Eastern Heartland |
| 17 | Jigawa | Dutse | Umar Namadi (APC) | The New World |
| 18 | Kaduna | Kaduna | Uba Sani (APC) | Centre of Learning |
| 19 | Kano | Kano | Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP) | Centre of Commerce |
| 20 | Katsina | Katsina | Dikko Radda (APC) | State of Hospitality |
| 21 | Kebbi | Birnin Kebbi | Nasir Idris (APC) | Land of Equity |
| 22 | Kogi | Lokoja | Usman Ododo (APC) | The Confluence State |
| 23 | Kwara | Ilorin | AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (APC) | State of Harmony |
| 24 | Lagos | Ikeja | Babajide Sanwo-Olu (APC) | Centre of Excellence |
| 25 | Nasarawa | Lafia | Abdullahi Sule (APC) | Home of Solid Minerals |
| 26 | Niger | Minna | Umar Bago (APC) | The Power State |
| 27 | Ogun | Abeokuta | Dapo Abiodun (APC) | Gateway State |
| 28 | Ondo | Akure | Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC) | Sunshine State |
| 29 | Osun | Osogbo | Ademola Adeleke (PDP) | Land of Virtue |
| 30 | Oyo | Ibadan | Seyi Makinde (PDP) | Pace Setter State |
| 31 | Plateau | Jos | Caleb Mutfwang (PDP) | Home of Peace and Tourism |
| 32 | Rivers | Port Harcourt | Siminalayi Fubara (PDP) | Treasure Base of the Nation |
| 33 | Sokoto | Sokoto | Ahmad Aliyu (APC) | Seat of the Caliphate |
| 34 | Taraba | Jalingo | Agbu Kefas (PDP) | Nature’s Gift to the Nation |
| 35 | Yobe | Damaturu | Mai Mala Buni (APC) | Pride of the Sahel |
| 36 | Zamfara | Gusau | Dauda Lawal (PDP) | Farming is Our Pride |
Detailed Overview of Nigeria’s 36 States
Abia State
- Capital: Umuahia
- Slogan: God’s Own State
- Governor: Alex Otti (LP)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Carved out from Imo State
- Overview: Known for its commercial hub, Aba, Abia is a center for small-scale industries and trade in southeastern Nigeria.
Adamawa State
- Capital: Yola
- Slogan: Highest Peak of the Nation
- Governor: Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (PDP)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Carved out from Gongola State
- Overview: Home to the Mandara Mountains, Adamawa is rich in agriculture and cultural heritage.
Akwa Ibom State
- Capital: Uyo
- Slogan: Land of Promise
- Governor: Umo Eno (PDP)
- Creation Date: September 23, 1987
- Origin: Carved out from Cross River State
- Overview: A major oil-producing state, Akwa Ibom is also known for its beautiful coastline and cultural festivals.
Anambra State
- Capital: Awka
- Slogan: Light of the Nation
- Governor: Charles Soludo (APGA)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Formed from the old East Central State
- Overview: Anambra boasts a strong commercial base and is a center for education and industry.
Bauchi State
- Capital: Bauchi
- Slogan: Pearl of Tourism
- Governor: Bala Mohammed (PDP)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Carved out from the former North-Eastern State
- Overview: Known for the Yankari National Park, Bauchi is a hub for tourism and agriculture.
Bayelsa State
- Capital: Yenagoa
- Slogan: Glory of All Lands
- Governor: Douye Diri (PDP)
- Creation Date: October 1, 1996
- Origin: Carved out from Rivers State
- Overview: Predominantly Ijaw, Bayelsa is rich in oil and gas resources, with a focus on fishing and marine activities.
Benue State
- Capital: Makurdi
- Slogan: Food Basket of the Nation
- Governor: Hyacinth Alia (APC)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Formed from the former Benue-Plateau State
- Overview: Benue is a leading agricultural state, producing a significant portion of Nigeria’s food crops.
Borno State
- Capital: Maiduguri
- Slogan: Home of Peace
- Governor: Babagana Zulum (APC)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Carved out from the former North-Eastern State
- Overview: Despite security challenges, Borno remains a key agricultural and educational center in the northeast.
Cross River State
- Capital: Calabar
- Slogan: The People’s Paradise
- Governor: Bassey Otu (APC)
- Creation Date: May 27, 1967
- Origin: Carved out from the Eastern Region
- Overview: Known for its tourism, Cross River hosts the famous Calabar Carnival and is rich in biodiversity.
Delta State
- Capital: Asaba
- Slogan: The Finger of God
- Governor: Sheriff Oborevwori (PDP)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Carved out from the former Bendel State
- Overview: A major oil-producing state, Delta is also known for its diverse cultures and riverine communities.
Ebonyi State
- Capital: Abakaliki
- Slogan: Salt of the Nation
- Governor: Francis Nwifuru (APC)
- Creation Date: October 1, 1996
- Origin: Carved out from parts of Abia and Enugu States
- Overview: Ebonyi is an agricultural hub, particularly noted for rice and yam production.
Edo State
- Capital: Benin City
- Slogan: Heartbeat of the Nation
- Governor: Godwin Obaseki (PDP)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Carved out from the former Bendel State
Overview: Edo is rich in cultural heritage, being home to the historic Benin Kingdom.
Ekiti State
- Capital: Ado-Ekiti
- Zone: South West
- Slogan: Land of Honour and Integrity
- Governor: Biodun Oyebanji (APC)
- Creation Date: October 1, 1996
- Origin: Carved out from old Ondo State
Overview: Ekiti is known for its hilly terrain and being one of Nigeria’s most educated states. It boasts sites like Ikogosi Warm Springs and a proud history of cultural festivals.
Enugu State
- Capital: Enugu
- Zone: South East
- Slogan: Coal City State
- Governor: Peter Mbah (PDP)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Created from old Anambra State
Overview: Famous for its coal mining heritage, Enugu features notable landmarks like the Milken Hills, Nike Lake, and a rich Igbo cultural legacy.
Gombe State
- Capital: Gombe
- Zone: North East
- Slogan: Jewel in the Savannah
- Governor: Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (APC)
- Creation Date: October 1, 1996
- Origin: Carved out from Bauchi State
Overview: Known for its natural landscapes and peaceful communities, Gombe is a hub of agricultural activities and Tangale culture.
Imo State
- Capital: Owerri
- Zone: South East
- Slogan: Eastern Heartland
- Governor: Hope Uzodinma (APC)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Carved out from East Central State
Overview: Imo is culturally vibrant, with landmarks like Oguta Lake and Mbari Cultural Centre, and hosts several traditional masquerade festivals.
Jigawa State
- Capital: Dutse
- Zone: North West
- Slogan: The New World
- Governor: Umar Namadi (APC)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Created from Kano State
Overview: Jigawa is largely agrarian with famous sites like Birnin Kudu rock paintings and growing irrigation schemes.
Kaduna State
- Capital: Kaduna
- Zone: North West
- Slogan: Centre of Learning
- Governor: Uba Sani (APC)
- Creation Date: May 27, 1967
- Origin: Created from Northern Region
Overview: Kaduna hosts prestigious schools like Ahmadu Bello University and historical sites like Lugard Hall, a colonial relic.
Kano State
- Capital: Kano
- Zone: North West
- Slogan: Centre of Commerce
- Governor: Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP)
- Creation Date: May 27, 1967
- Origin: Created from Northern Region
Overview: Known for its ancient city walls, bustling markets like Kurmi, and a rich history as one of West Africa’s oldest cities.
Katsina State
- Capital: Katsina
- Zone: North West
- Slogan: Home of Hospitality
- Governor: Dikko Umar Radda (APC)
- Creation Date: September 23, 1987
- Origin: Created from Kaduna State
Overview: With roots in Islamic scholarship, Katsina is home to historic sites like Gobarau Minaret and a thriving farming economy.
Kebbi State
- Capital: Birnin Kebbi
- Zone: North West
- Slogan: Land of Equity
- Governor: Nasir Idris (APC)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Created from Sokoto State
Overview: Kebbi is famous for the annual Argungu Fishing Festival and rich rice farming culture.
Kogi State
- Capital: Lokoja
- Zone: North Central
- Slogan: The Confluence State
- Governor: Usman Ododo (APC)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Created from Kwara and Benue States
Overview: Noted for the confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, Lokoja was Nigeria’s first administrative capital in colonial times.
Kwara State
- Capital: Ilorin
- Zone: North Central
- Slogan: State of Harmony
- Governor: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (APC)
- Creation Date: May 27, 1967
- Origin: Created from Northern Region
Overview: Kwara bridges Northern and Southern cultures, with Ilorin renowned for pottery and Islamic learning.
Lagos State
- Capital: Ikeja
- Zone: South West
- Slogan: Centre of Excellence
- Governor: Babajide Sanwo-Olu (APC)
- Creation Date: May 27, 1967
- Origin: Created from Western Region
Overview: Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos is known for its beaches, nightlife, Eko Atlantic city, and economic vibrancy.
Nasarawa State
- Capital: Lafia
- Zone: North Central
- Slogan: Home of Solid Minerals
- Governor: Abdullahi Sule (APC)
- Creation Date: October 1, 1996
- Origin: Created from Plateau State
Overview: Noted for its mineral wealth, Nasarawa boasts attractions like Farin Ruwa Falls and Akwanga Hills.
Niger State
- Capital: Minna
- Zone: North Central
- Slogan: The Power State
- Governor: Mohammed Umar Bago (APC)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Carved out from North-Western State
Overview: The state with Nigeria’s largest landmass, Niger is home to Gurara Falls and Zuma Rock.
Ogun State
- Capital: Abeokuta
- Zone: South West
- Slogan: Gateway State
- Governor: Dapo Abiodun (APC)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Created from Western State
Overview: Ogun boasts Olumo Rock, Adire textile crafts, and Nigeria’s first university — UI, Ibadan (before Oyo split).
Ondo State
- Capital: Akure
- Zone: South West
- Slogan: Sunshine State
- Governor: Lucky Aiyedatiwa (APC)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Carved from Western State
Overview: Ondo leads in cocoa farming and has landmarks like Idanre Hills and Owo Kingdom relics.
Osun State
- Capital: Osogbo
- Zone: South West
- Slogan: State of the Living Spring
- Governor: Ademola Adeleke (PDP)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Carved out from old Oyo State
Overview: Osun is home to Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO site, and famed for cultural festivals.
Oyo State
- Capital: Ibadan
- Zone: South West
- Slogan: Pace Setter State
- Governor: Seyi Makinde (PDP)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Created from Western State
Overview: Ibadan, Nigeria’s largest city by landmass, houses Cocoa House and one of Africa’s oldest universities.
Plateau State
- Capital: Jos
- Zone: North Central
- Slogan: Home of Peace and Tourism
- Governor: Caleb Mutfwang (PDP)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Carved out from Benue-Plateau State
Overview: Known for a temperate climate, wildlife parks, and tin mining history.
Rivers State
- Capital: Port Harcourt
- Zone: South South
- Slogan: Treasure Base of the Nation
- Governor: Siminalayi Fubara (PDP)
- Creation Date: May 27, 1967
- Origin: Carved out from Eastern Region
Overview: Nigeria’s oil-rich hub, with Bonny Island terminals and rich fishing cultures.
Sokoto State
- Capital: Sokoto
- Zone: North West
- Slogan: Seat of the Caliphate
- Governor: Ahmad Aliyu (APC)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Carved out from North-Western State
Overview: Renowned for Islamic scholarship and seat of the historic Sokoto Caliphate.
Taraba State
- Capital: Jalingo
- Zone: North East
- Slogan: Nature’s Gift to the Nation
- Governor: Agbu Kefas (PDP)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Carved out from Gongola State
Overview: Features the Mambilla Plateau, Nigeria’s highest point, and Gashaka Gumti Park.
Yobe State
- Capital: Damaturu
- Zone: North East
- Slogan: Pride of the Sahel
- Governor: Mai Mala Buni (APC)
- Creation Date: August 27, 1991
- Origin: Created from Borno State
Overview: Known for livestock farming and Sahel landscapes.
Zamfara State
- Capital: Gusau
- Zone: North West
- Slogan: Farming is Our Pride
- Governor: Dauda Lawal (PDP)
- Creation Date: October 1, 1996
- Origin: Carved out from Sokoto State
Overview: Rich in agricultural produce and solid minerals.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
- Capital: Abuja
- Zone: North Central
- Slogan: Centre of Unity
- Administrator: Nyesom Wike (Minister)
- Creation Date: February 3, 1976
- Origin: Created from parts of Niger, Kogi, Nassarawa
Overview: Hosts Nigeria’s federal seat of power, Aso Rock, and landmark sites like Millennium Park.
