Top 12 Most Richest States in Nigeria

In this article I will be sharing with you the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria. We are not going to include Abuja which is the capital city of Nigeria and also the seat of power. We are only going to look at individual states in Nigeria developed by state governments and entrepreneurs. Nigeria is the largest country in Africa. The population of Nigeria is over 180 million people. There are 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

So the question still remains, which state is the richest state in Nigeria? To get the answer, it is necessary to look at GDP of the state. GDP simple means Gross Domestic Product and it is a final market price of all produced goods and services. The total GDP of Nigeria in 2016 was around $1.166 trillion. Therefore, GDP can give the closest answer about the richest state in Nigeria as of 2019. So ladies and gentlemen, after a careful study and research, I bring to you the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria.

12. Kaduna State

Kaduna State is located in the Northern Central part of Nigeria. The total population of the state is 6.1 million people. It is one of the most multicultural states in Nigeria with more than sixty various ethnic groups living there. The GDP of Kaduna State is $10.334 billion. The major part of the economically active population works in the agricultural sector. Kaduna State is currently number 12 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $10.334 billion.

11. Ogun State

Ogun State is located in the south western region of Nigeria. The overall population is around four million residents. The state is notable for a high concentration of factories, like Procter and Gamble in Agbara, Coleman Cables in Arepo, Lafarage Cement in Ewekoro and Dangote Cement in Ibese. The Gross Domestic Product for Ogun State is $10.470 billion. Ogun State is currently number 11 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $10.470 billion.

10. Akwa Ibom State

Akwa Ibom State is a costal state located in the south southern region of Nigeria. The total population of the state is 5.5 million people. It is a home to the word class information centre, the Ibom E-library. The main ethnic groups are the Ibibio, Annang, Oron, Eket and Obolo. Akwa Ibom State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is $11.179 billion. Akwa Ibom State is currently number 10 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $11.179 billion.

9. Edo State

The capital city of Edo State is Benin City. The total population of the state is 3.5 million people with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $11.888 billion. The state is famous for its tourist attractions, like the Emotan Statue in Benin City or River Niger Beach and Ise Lake in Agenebode. Edo State is currently number 9 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $11.888 billion.

8. Anambra State

Anambra State is located in the south eastern region of the country. It covers the territory around 4.844 square kilometres, which makes it the second smallest state in the country after Lagos State. The indigenous and dominant ethnic group in the state is the Igbo. The total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state is $12.764 billion. The state is rich in oil and gas resources. Therefore, the Government plans to build refineries in the state for increasing of crude oil production. The state is also the home of many influential and successful billionaires in Nigeria. The state has a market known as Onitsha main market which is regarded as one of the largest market in Nigeria. Anambra State is currently number 8 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $12.764 billion.

7. Kano State

Kano State is located in the North Western part of Nigeria. This state is the second most populated state in Nigeria after Lagos. The estimated population is around 11 million people with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $13.393 billion. Kano State is a major producer of skins and hides. It also produces chilli pepper, gum Arabic, garlic, cotton, soybean and sesame. Kano State is currently number 7 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $13.393 billion.

6. Enugu State

Enugu State is located in south eastern region of Nigeria. The state has a population of 3.8 million according to the 2012 Nigerian census. The capital city of Enugu State is Enugu also known as O42 or Coal City. Enugu State is regarded as the safest state in Nigeria. Economically, the state is predominantly rural and agrarian, with a substantial proportion of its working population engaged in farming and trading. In the urban areas trading is the dominant occupation, followed by services. Enugu State is currently number 6 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $14.312 billion.

5. Oyo State

Oyo State is located in the south western region of Nigeria. It is one of the top 20 richest states in Nigeria. The overall population is around six million people. Oyo State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is $16.121 billion. The major part of the economically active population works in the agricultural sector of the state. Oyo State produces cashew, palm oil, cocoa, plantains, rice, millet, cassava, yam and maize. Ibadan being the capital of Oyo State is regarded as the oldest city in Nigeria. Oyo State is currently number 5 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $16.212 billion.

4. Imo State

Imo State is located in the south eastern region of Nigeria. Imo State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is $16.952 billion. Imo State is rich in natural resources, like zinc, natural gas, crude oil, lead, limestone, fine sand and white clay. There are over 163 oil wells in the state. The main petroleum companies in the region are Agip, Royal Dutch, Shell, Chevron Corporation and Addax Petroleum. Imo State is currently number 4 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $16.212 billion.

3. Delta State

Delta State is located in the south southern region of Nigeria. The overall population of the state is 4.1 million people. Delta State Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is $17.649 billion. Delta State is rich in natural resources, like limestone, decorative rocks, tar sand, kaolin, lignite, silica and industrial clay. Delta State also has one of the largest deposits of crude oil and natural gas in Nigeria. Delta State is currently number 3 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $17.649 billion.

2. Rivers State

Rivers State is one of the richest states in Nigeria. It covers the area of 11.177 square kilometers. The population of the state is around 5.2 million people. Rivers State has a total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $21.273 billion. Rivers State is rich in vast reserves of natural gas and crude oil. Over more than 60% of Nigerian crude oil output is from Port Harcourt, which is the capital city of the State. Rivers State also has one of the largest deposits of crude oil and natural gas in Nigeria. Rivers State is currently number 2 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $21.273 billion.

1. Lagos State

Lagos State top the list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria. Lagos State is located in the south western region of Nigeria. It covers only 3.577 square kilometers, and has the total population of around 18 million people making it the most populated state in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. The total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos State is $33.679 billion. The state is the nation’s most urban area. It is the fifth largest economy centre in the whole Africa continent and the major economic centre of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Lagos State is currently number 1 on our list of the top 12 most richest states in Nigeria with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $33.679 billion.