The 10 Largest Cities in Nigeria By Population, Land Area and Infrastructural Development
Nigeria has made a reputation for itself inside and outdoor Africa. It is understood international as the Giant of Africa, a name it earned because of its inhabitants and fast-growing economic system. With a complete inhabitants of over 2 hundred and six million, one hundred and forty thousand (206,140,000) other folks, it is the most populated African country—almost twice the inhabitants of Ethiopia, the second-largest nation in Africa. It has additionally been predicted that by 2050, Nigeria will change into the third maximum populated nation in the world, and many of those folks shall be eking out a dwelling in the largest cities in Nigeria.
Nigeria is a Large Country with Many Cities and Regions
Because of its large inhabitants and landmass, Nigeria is composed of cities with similarly huge landmass and population density. The country has 36 states divided into six geopolitical zones (northeast, north-west, south-east, south-west, south-south, and north-central). These quite a lot of regions include different cities with various features, including tribes, languages, population, landmass, and infrastructure.
The northwest region is the maximum populated area of the nation and similarly has the largest landmass. Although infrastructural development is spread across the nation, it isn't frivolously distributed. The town with the perfect stage of infrastructure and financial activities is in the southwestern part of the nation. Also, the languages and tribes range very much from one region to every other and even inside areas.
Ten Largest Cities in Nigeria by Population and Infrastructural Development
Among the 36 states in Nigeria, some are extra densely populated and have higher infrastructural development than others. Below is a list of the most sensible 10 maximum populated cities that experience large infrastructures.
1. Lagos

- State: Lagos
- Population: 21 million
- Population Density: 2,607km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: South-west
- Others: Yoruba is the dominant ethnic crew
Lagos is arguably the largest town in Nigeria. With about twenty-one million (21,000,000) people, it's recorded as the maximum populated city in West Africa. Oftentimes, when other people abroad speak about Nigeria, they seek advice from Lagos because it is the hub for almost all financial actions. Despite the top standard of living, many of us still migrate to Lagos because of the considerable opportunities available there. Being the middle of monetary actions in the country, it homes primary industries and headquarters.
The state is home to the famend Nollywood trade. Also, most firms like Dangote Cement, BUA, cement, and even international companies like Jumia and MTN are found there. The well known Murtala Muhammed International Airport could also be situated here. In general, the state homes about thirty-three thousand, 400 and fifty-eight (30,458) firms.
Irrespective of its large economic actions, about 66% of the population lives in the slum. This is because of the prime cost of living and massive social margin in the area. However, Lagos has a excellent selection of employment alternatives. This city is equally known for its unending site visitors congestion obviously led to by the large inhabitants.
2. Kano

- State: Kano
- Population: Sixteen million
- Population Density: 442km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: North-West
- Others: Dominating ethnic groups are Hausa and Fulani
This is the second maximum populated city in the country, and it is basically occupied by Hausa and Fulani tribes. With a population of 16 million (16,000,000) people, Kano State is the primary industrial state of the North. It has lively industries in agriculture, food processing, and textile. Most of the industries are centered on commercial estates. Some significant structures present in Kano are the newly constructed Kanawa International market, an international airport, and several tutorial institutions. The state has about a thousand, 200 and forty-seven (1,247) companies.
The cost of dwelling in Kano State is low, not like Lagos. However, the present security challenges dealing with the northern a part of the country have resulted in fewer employment alternatives and lowered migration into this area.
3. Ibadan
(*10*)- State: Oyo
- Population: 6 million
- Population Density: 831 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: South-West
- Others: Dominating ethnic crew is the Yoruba
Ibadan is the capital of Oyo State, one of the most popular states in the Western a part of Nigeria. The town has a inhabitants of about six million (6,000,000) other folks, and its available infrastructure and employment opportunities have persevered to attract extra other folks to the town. Known for its industrial and trade actions, Ibadan homes about 1000, 5 hundred and fifty-three (1,553) corporations. It may be the house to Nigeria’s first college, the University of Ibadan (UI), and a domestic airport.
The city has a good lifestyle with very inexpensive lodging. However, the expanding population has put the infrastructures below top pressure, which has resulted in some adversarial environmental effects, together with poor sanitation, higher slump dwellings, and open drainage.
4. Abuja

- State: Abuja
- Population: 3,464,123
- Population Density: 439 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: North Central
- Others: Dominating ethnic group is Hausa
The capital of Nigeria, Abuja, is the quickest growing town in Africa and one in every of the fastest in the global. It is home to the presidential villa, Aso Rock, embassies, authorities ministries, and parastatals. The well-liked Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is positioned right here among several other infrastructures. The town has about eighteen thousand, three hundred and fifty-one (18,351) firms and has high employment alternatives.
With an estimated population of three million, 400 and sixty-four thousand, one hundred and twenty-three (3,464,123), the town nonetheless studies an inflow of folks. The greater influx of people into Abuja is indubitably in search of greener pastures. The price of residing in the city may be very prime, but the surrounding rural areas have a cheaper value of living.
5. Port Harcourt

- State: Rivers
- Population: 3,179,402
- Population Density: 2726 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: South-South
- Others: Dominating ethnic teams are Ijaw, Ikwerre, and Ogoni
This prominent city has a population of about three million, 100 and seventy-nine thousand, four hundred and two (3,179,402) people. Founded in 1912 by Fredrick Lugard, the city is principally recognized for possessing crude oil. The oil used to be came upon in 1956, and it resulted in the construction of a number of firms and the advent of employment opportunities. Port Harcourt has continued to develop as more other people migrate there looking for jobs in other oil companies.
The town homes seven thousand, 600 and fourteen (7,614) corporations, together with Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell, and so on. It also has a Port Harcourt International Airport situated on the outskirts of the city. Most of its higher institutions are government-owned, and it's equally recognized to have a prime way of life.
6. Benin City

- State: Edo
- Population: 1,781,999
- Population Density: 953 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: South-South
- Others: Dominating ethnic group is Fon
The city of Benin is known for its rich culture and historical past. What used to be formerly known as the Benin Kingdom is the capital town of Edo state, but they're considered one of the few Nigerian cities that controlled to retain their tradition post-colonization. The town has endured to grow and has a present estimated inhabitants of one million, seven-hundred and eighty-one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine (1,781,999) people.
The major explanation why many of us seek advice from this town is on account of its vacationer enchantment sites. Places like the Palace of the Oba of Benin, the National Museum, and the King’s square have been an enormous attraction to Nigerians and foreigners. Having about 8 hundred and seventy-nine (879) corporations, the city supplies employment opportunities however now not as many other populated places.
The city is perfect recognized for its artworks, together with bronze, casting, and metalwork, which can be mostly associated with their culture. It also has a domestic airport that serves transportation inside the country.
7. Aba

- State: Abia
- Population: 1,114,388
- Population Density: 7400 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: South-East
- Others: Dominating ethnic staff is Igbo
This business hub of the east is situated in Abia State and is understood for the manufacturing of several items. It has 400 and eight (408) firms and an estimated population of a million, one hundred and fourteen thousand, 300 and eighty-eight (1,114,388) people.
The majority of the other folks in this area are impartial businessmen, and purchasing and promoting is the order of the day. The popular Ariaria market is located here, and many people discuss with this town mainly for business and industry purposes. The top inhabitants density has had a unfavorable toll on the infrastructures of the town. It is known to have bad roads and an unclean environment.
8. Maiduguri

- State: Borno
- Population: 802,988
- Population Density: 3964 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: North-East
- Others: Dominating ethnic staff is Kanuri
Maiduguri is one in every of the largest cities in Nigeria, and it's situated in the Northeastern region. It has a inhabitants of eight hundred and two thousand, nine hundred and eighty-eight (802,988) other folks. The town has about 100 and forty-four corporations and no longer as a lot infrastructure as other huge cities. It is known for trading and has a low standard of living. One of its recognized infrastructures is the Maiduguri International Airport. The city does now not revel in much migration of people due to the present safety challenges in the northern a part of Nigeria.
9. Zaria

- State: Kaduna
- Population: 736,098
- Population Density: 1234.6 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: North-West
- Others: Dominating ethnic groups are Hausa and Fulani
Zaria used to be previously called Zazzau, and it is one of the seven outdated “Hausa City-State.” It was once renamed after the popular queen Amina Zaria. The town has an estimated population of 7 hundred and thirty-six thousand, ninety-eight (736,098) folks. It is basically concerned in agriculture and produces groundnut, tobacco, and cotton, amongst different issues. Though it has an estimated 100 and sixty-eight (168) firms, there is no large population building up due to safety problems. It additionally has a low way of life.
10. Jos

- State: Plateau
- Population: 917,289
- Population Density: 451 km-2
- Geopolitical Zone: North Central
- Others: It accommodates several ethnic teams
Known for its excessive climate stipulations, Jos is a city in Plateau state. It has a lot of tin and columbite, making it a big mining area in the nation. The town has an estimated population of 9 hundred and seventeen thousand, 200 and eighty-nine (917,289) people. It has about one thousand, seven hundred and sixty (1,760) companies that offer fair job alternatives in the town. Jos is a hill lodge and middle of tourist attraction. Like a couple of different states in this checklist, it has a low lifestyle.
Summary of Top Ten Cities with Largest Population and Infrastructure in Nigeria
Ten Largest Cities in Nigeria by Landmass
The northern states in Nigeria are known to possess the largest landmass when in comparison to other regions. However, on the subject of cities, one will understand that the cities with the largest landmass don't seem to be limited to the northern area. This is because maximum of the spaces in the north with massive landmass don't seem to be smartly advanced. Below is an inventory of the top ten cities with the largest landmass in Nigerian.
1. Gusau

- State: Zamfara
- Land Mass: 3364 km/sq
- Population: 528,400
- Geopolitical Zone: North-West
- Others: positioned on Sokoto river
The capital of Zamfara State, Gusau, has an estimated population of five hundred and twenty-eight thousand, four hundred (528,400) people. Although it has no main geographical feature, the area with huge measurement of 3364 km/sq. is known for its agricultural actions and manufacturing of plants like cotton, tobacco, groundnuts, and so forth. It is located in the North-Western a part of the nation. Gusau has been an important business northern the city proper from the days of the colonial masters. It was additionally an office with excellent highway and rail networks for the motion of agricultural produce in and out of Gusau.
2. Ibadan

- State: Oyo
- Land Mass: 3080 km/sq
- Population: 6 million
- Geopolitical Zone: South-West
- Others: situated on seven hills
Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo, is positioned in seven hills with a median elevation of seven hundred (700) toes. It is approximately one hundred miles clear of the Atlantic ocean with a high population of about six million (6,000,000) folks. Its huge landmass of 3,080 km/sq. additionally comprises a number of zoological and botanical gardens. The city is unarguably the 3rd largest town in Nigeria after Lagos and Kano. Ibadan may be a major trading middle for agricultural merchandise like palm oil, rubber, cotton, cocoa, timber, and cassava. It is strategically situated alongside the Lagos – Kano rail route and could also be home to several industries that deal in the manufacturing of meals, textile, well being and cosmetics merchandise, tobacco, leatherworks, furniture, and so forth. Apparently, there may be enough land to accommodate most of these industries and the exertions drive they want to work with.
3. Oyo

- State: Oyo
- Land Mass: 2427 km/sq
- Population: 441,729
- Geopolitical Zone: South-West
- Others: Seat of Alaafin of Oyo
Oyo is one in all the primary cities in the western part of Nigeria, and it's the common seat of the Alaafin of Oyo, 32 miles away from Ibadan. With a big landmass of 2427 km/sq., Oyo accommodates about four hundred and forty-one thousand, 700 and twenty-nine (441,729) other people. The primary task here is agriculture.
4. Ife

- State: Osun
- Land Mass: 1791 km/sq
- Population: 384,863
- Geopolitical Zone: South-West
- Others: the mythical birthplace of humankind
The town of Ile-Ife, also referred to as Ife-Lodun, is situated in Osun State, the western a part of Nigeria. Ife lies at the junction, where roads from Ondo, Ilesha, and Ibadan meet. It is regarded as the holy town and mythical birthplace of mankind. Its huge landmass of 1791 km/sq. is occupied by an estimated 300 and eighty-four thousand, 8 hundred and sixty-three (384,863) other people.
The town has nice cultural importance in the Yoruba kingdom and even its title Ife approach place of dispersion. There are traditional claims that Ife used to be created by deities Oduduwa and Obatala. Today, the landmass that incorporates Ife is divided into four local governments viz Ife East, Ife South, Ife North, and Ife Central.
5. Abuja

- Location: Abuja
- Land Mass: 1769 km/sq
- Population: 3,464,123
- Geopolitical Zone: North Central
- Others: Located on Chukuku hills
The capability of Nigeria is certainly one of the fastest-growing cities in the international, situated in the center of the country. The city built on the massive Chukuku hills has an estimated inhabitants of three million, 400 and sixty-four thousand, 100 and twenty-three (3,464,123) people. The 1769 km/sq. the area additionally has a positive local weather in comparison to other northern cities.
As one of the largest cities in Nigeria, it's worthy to notice that the prime price of dwelling inside Abuja town center has made a few of the people who make money by running in Abuja hire and even build properties in a neighboring state like Nasarawa (Nyanya axis). This has on its own made such new settlements a beehive of business activities, which has brought development to such places.
6. Kuje

- Location: Abuja
- Land Mass:1644 km/sq
- Population: 246,400
- Geopolitical Zone: North Central
- Others: Covered with numerous greenery
Like is a suburb of the capital territory. It has a landmass of 1644 km/sq. with loads of greenery and prime agricultural activities, which is why it's frequently referred to as the “meals basket of Abuja.” The town has an estimated population of 200 and forty-six thousand, four hundred (246,400), and it lies on the southern end of the Abuja International Airport.
Kuchiyako is the maximum evolved area in Kuje, Abuja. Kuje could also be a hectic marketplace city with many roadside stores scattered everywhere the town promoting wares that vary from provisions, drugs and cosmetics, development materials, telecommunications apparatus, and many others. In the heart of the city is a market held every 4 days the place contemporary meals like greens, meat, smoked fish are all bought. Household items, fabrics, sneakers, clothes, and so on., also are sold there.
7. Benin

- State: Edo
- Land Mass: 1204 km/sq
- Population: 1,781,999
- Geopolitical Zone: South-South
- Others: it has a rich culture
As certainly one of the largest cities in Nigeria, the great Benin City of Edo State has a landmass of 1204 km/sq. and is situated on a branch of the Benin River. It is positioned alongside the highway that connects Lagos to the East. The town is blessed with works of art and rich tradition. It additionally has many cultural artifacts and an estimated population of a million, 700 and eighty-one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine (1,781,999) people.
8. Lagos

- State: Lagos
- Land Mass: 999.6 km/sq
- Population: 21 million
- Geopolitical Zone: South-West
- Others: Most populated state in Nigeria
The most populated city in Nigeria has a landmass of 999.6 km/sq. The topography of the land is principally covered by sand bars, islands, and lagoons. On the Bight of Benin, in the Gulf of Guinea, the Lagos Lagoon is house to many Lagosians, and the area is referred to as the Lagos Island. The estimated population of the complete state is ready twenty-one million (21,000,000). The area is understood for its high financial and business activities, albeit with a high value of dwelling.
There is also certainly that Lagos is one among the maximum crowded puts in Nigeria, with an ever-expanding influx of people from other parts of the nation. This has made it tricky for other people to get decent housing in the city. As a result, many Lagosians are living in unwanted portions of Lagos.
9. Akure

- State: Ondo
- Land Mass: 991 km/sq.
- Population: 690,533
- Geopolitical Zone: South-West
- Others: Built on hills
Akure is the capital town of Ondo State, positioned in the southwestern part of Nigeria. The town used to be constructed in a few of the forested Yoruba hills, and it lies at the junction of Ado-Ekiti, Ilesha, and Owo roads. The town has a landmass of 991 km/sq. that houses an estimated inhabitants of six hundred and ninety thousand, five hundred and thirty-three (690,533) folks. It is a center of agricultural activities and additionally has different manufacturing industries.
10. Abeokuta

- State: Ogun
- Land Mass: 879 km/sq.
- Population: 543,723
- Geopolitical Zone: South-West
- Others: Located at the bank of the gun river
Abeokuta, which is considered one of the largest cities in Nigeria with the most landmass, is situated at the east financial institution of the Ogun River and is surrounded by huge rocks. Its landmass of 879 km/sq. is home to an estimated 5 hundred and forty-three thousand, seven hundred and twenty-three (543,723) folks. Like most western areas, it is a middle for agriculture. The city was once a walled town in the past, and relics of the wall can nonetheless be seen to this point.
Summary of Top Ten Cities with the Largest Landmass in Nigeria
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