Complete List Of The 36 States And Capitals In Nigeria

If you're Nigerian or planning to visit Nigeria, one of the first things you should know—apart from how to survive Lagos traffic—is the 36 states and their capitals. It’s like ABCs for every Nigerian child. In fact, some of us can still remember chanting them back in primary school like it was our national anthem. “Abia – Umuahia, Adamawa – Yola…”

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through all 36 states of Nigeria and their capitals, break them down by geopolitical zones, and sprinkle in some fun and useful tidbits about each. Whether you're preparing for an exam, trying to prove you're more Nigerian than suya, or just want to refresh your memory, this is your one-stop guide.

📍Quick Overview: Why 36 States?

Nigeria didn’t always have 36 states. In fact, we started with just 3 regions after independence in 1960. But over time, through political restructuring and demands for better representation, Nigeria was broken into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is Abuja.

The goal? To bring governance closer to the people. Whether or not that goal has been achieved is a gist for another day. 😅

Now let’s break down the states according to their 6 geopolitical zones.

🌍 1. North Central (Middle Belt)

This zone is known as the bridge between the North and South. It’s culturally diverse and agriculturally rich.

✨ Fun Fact: Lokoja, Kogi State, was the first administrative capital of Nigeria during British rule.

🌍 2. North East

This zone shares borders with countries like Cameroon and Chad and is rich in history and tradition.

✨ Fun Fact: Borno State is home to the Kanem-Bornu Empire, one of Africa’s oldest empires.

🌍 3. North West

The most populous zone in Nigeria and home to ancient kingdoms, bustling markets, and the Hausa-Fulani culture.

✨ Fun Fact: Kano is Nigeria’s commercial hub in the North and boasts centuries of trading history.

🌍 4. South East

The land of the Igbos, known for their industrious spirit, vibrant culture, and “anywhere belle face” entrepreneurship.

✨ Fun Fact: Onitsha, in Anambra State, has one of the largest markets in West Africa.

🌍 5. South South (Niger Delta)

This is the oil-rich zone that keeps Nigeria’s economy running (you’re welcome, everyone else 😏). It’s also known for its riverine beauty and delicious seafood.

✨ Fun Fact: Calabar Carnival in Cross River is the biggest street party in Africa.

🌍 6. South West

This is the zone of the Yoruba people, home to Lagos—the economic heartbeat of the nation—and many cultural legends.

✨ Fun Fact: Ibadan, in Oyo State, is the largest city in West Africa by land mass.

✅ Complete List – 36 States and Their Capitals (Alphabetical Order)

Just want to memorize them fast? Here's the full alphabetical list for easy learning:

🚨 Don’t forget: The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is Abuja, and it’s not classified as a “state,” but it's the seat of power in Nigeria.

🧠 Tips to Memorize States and Capitals

If you’re preparing for a quiz, test, or just want to flex your Naija knowledge, here are a few tricks:

• Chunk them by zones: Memorize 6 states per zone, one zone at a time.

• Use rhymes: “Abia – Umuahia, Adamawa – Yola…”

• Flashcards: Old-school but effective.

• Quizzes: Test yourself every few days.

✍️ Final Thoughts

Nigeria is a country of rich diversity, and learning about her states and capitals is a step toward understanding her complexity. Each state has its own culture, economy, challenges, and beauty. From the oil wells of Bayelsa to the cocoa farms in Ondo, from the tourist hills in Plateau to the business madness of Lagos—every state is unique.

So next time someone challenges you to name Nigeria's 36 states and capitals, don’t just list them—throw in some fun facts and blow their minds!

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Let’s keep learning Naija, one blog post at a time! 💚🇳🇬