Top 20 Largest States in Nigeria by Land Mass (Square Kilometers)
Nigeria is a vast country with diverse landscapes, and its states vary significantly in terms of land area. Here is a list of the top 20 largest states in Nigeria by land mass:
Top 20 Largest States in Nigeria by Land Mass (Square Kilometers)
| Rank | State | Land Area (sq km) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Niger | 76,363 |
| 2 | Borno | 70,898 |
| 3 | Taraba | 54,473 |
| 4 | Kaduna | 46,053 |
| 5 | Bauchi | 45,837 |
| 6 | Yobe | 45,502 |
| 7 | Zamfara | 39,762 |
| 8 | Adamawa | 36,917 |
| 9 | Kwara | 36,825 |
| 10 | Kebbi | 36,800 |
| 11 | Benue | 34,059 |
| 12 | Plateau | 30,913 |
| 13 | Kogi | 29,833 |
| 14 | Oyo | 28,454 |
| 15 | Nassarawa | 27,117 |
| 16 | Sokoto | 25,973 |
| 17 | Katsina | 24,192 |
| 18 | Jigawa | 23,154 |
| 19 | Cross River | 20,156 |
| 20 | Kano | 20,131 |
Key Insights
- Niger State holds the title as the largest state in Nigeria by land mass, covering over 76,000 square kilometers.
- Borno State, known for its arid landscapes in the northeastern region, comes in second, closely followed by Taraba and Kaduna.
- Most of the largest states by area are located in northern Nigeria, highlighting the geographical expansiveness of the region.
- The smallest state by comparison, not on this list, is Lagos—the country’s commercial hub—with an area of just around 3,577 square kilometers.
These vast expanses of land in Nigeria offer a wide range of topographies, from arid savannas in the north to lush forests in the south.