Top 10 Richest States In Nigeria (2025): Economy, Gdp & Key Industries

Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, boasts 36 states with varying levels of economic development, infrastructure, and wealth. In 2025, some states have stood out due to their thriving industries, resource wealth, and consistent contributions to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This blog takes a detailed look at the top 10 richest states in Nigeria in 2025, based on current economic indicators, GDP size, and key revenue-generating industries.

1. Lagos State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $105 billion
Key Industries: Finance, technology, manufacturing, real estate, trade

Lagos remains the economic heartbeat of Nigeria and West Africa. As the commercial capital, Lagos is home to the nation’s biggest banks, tech hubs, ports, and real estate assets. It contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and generates billions in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) annually.

Why Lagos is #1:

• Massive investments in tech (Yabacon Valley)

• Home to the busiest seaport in Nigeria

• Hosts over 2,000 manufacturing companies

2. Rivers State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $30 billion
Key Industries: Oil and gas, petrochemicals, shipping, agriculture

Rivers is Nigeria’s oil-rich hub, hosting the headquarters of many multinational oil firms. With Port Harcourt at its center, Rivers generates significant wealth from oil exports and industrial activity.

Why Rivers ranks high:

• Major oil-producing state

• Key player in Nigeria’s maritime economy

• Strong agricultural potential in palm oil and fisheries

3. Delta State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $27 billion
Key Industries: Oil and gas, power generation, agriculture

Delta State is rich in crude oil and natural gas. Cities like Warri and Asaba are booming with infrastructure and industrial expansion. The state's ongoing investment in agriculture and energy is increasing its revenue streams.

4. Ogun State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $20 billion
Key Industries: Manufacturing, cement, agro-processing, logistics

Ogun has become a manufacturing powerhouse, hosting several industrial parks and factories. Thanks to its proximity to Lagos, many companies have relocated to Ogun for lower operating costs.

Highlights:

• Over 200 manufacturing firms

• Strong agricultural base: cassava, cocoa, poultry

5. Akwa Ibom State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $18 billion
Key Industries: Oil and gas, construction, tourism

Akwa Ibom is one of the top oil-producing states and has a rapidly growing service and tourism sector. Uyo, the capital, is one of the cleanest and fastest-developing cities in Nigeria.

6. Kano State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $15 billion
Key Industries: Commerce, textiles, agriculture, leather

As the commercial nerve center of northern Nigeria, Kano thrives on local and regional trade. The state also has one of the largest markets in West Africa—Kantin Kwari.

7. Oyo State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $13 billion
Key Industries: Agriculture, education, retail, real estate

With Ibadan as the capital, Oyo has grown as a hub for education and commerce. The state's agricultural sector is booming with investments in cassava, maize, and poultry farming.

8. Anambra State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $11 billion
Key Industries: Commerce, manufacturing, real estate

Anambra is home to Nigeria’s largest market—Onitsha Main Market—and has a strong entrepreneurial culture. With increasing investments in manufacturing and housing, the state's economy continues to grow.

9. Edo State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $10.5 billion
Key Industries: Agriculture, oil, manufacturing, services

Edo has a growing industrial sector and is benefiting from reforms in governance, power supply, and job creation. Benin City remains a hub for trade and transport in southern Nigeria.

10. Kaduna State

GDP (2025 Estimate): $10 billion
Key Industries: Agriculture, textiles, education, transportation

Kaduna is a key player in northern Nigeria’s economy with a rich history in manufacturing, particularly textiles. The state is also attracting attention for agricultural mechanization and education.

Comparison Table: Richest Nigerian States by GDP (2025)

FAQs About Nigeria’s Richest States in 2025

Which state is the richest in Nigeria in 2025?

Lagos State is the richest, with an estimated GDP of over $105 billion, driven by finance, commerce, and technology.

Which state generates the highest IGR in Nigeria?

Lagos also leads in Internally Generated Revenue due to its large tax base and economic activities.

What’s the main source of wealth for most Nigerian states?

Many states rely on oil and gas, but others like Ogun and Kano are growing through manufacturing, agriculture, and trade.

Is Abuja among the richest states?

Abuja (FCT) has a high income per capita but isn’t ranked as a state. However, it remains one of Nigeria’s wealthiest territories.

Final Thoughts

Nigeria's economy is evolving beyond oil. While oil-rich states like Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom still dominate, Lagos, Ogun, and Anambra are leading in non-oil growth through tech, manufacturing, and trade.

As we look forward, the richest states in Nigeria will likely be those that diversify, invest in human capital, and encourage private-sector innovation.