Top 10 Largest States in Nigeria (by Land Area)

Discover Nigeria’s most expansive states, their approximate land sizes, neighboring borders, natural resources, and current governors (as of 2025).

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1. Niger State – 76,363 km²

• Area: 76,363 km² 

• Neighbors: Kaduna and FCT (east), Kebbi and Zamfara (north), Kogi and Kwara (south), shares a border with Benin (west)

• Natural Resources: Gold, lead/zinc, talc 

• Governor (2025): Umar Mohammed Bago 

• Notes: Known as “The Power State,” it hosts vital hydroelectric infrastructure like Kainji Dam and scenic Kainji Lake National Park. 

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2. Borno State – 70,898 km²

• Area: 70,898 km² 

• Neighbors: Shares borders with Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, and touches neighboring countries in the northeast.

• Natural Resources: Bentonite, clay, diatomite, gypsum, hydro-carbons, kaolin, limestone 

• Governor (2025): Babagana Umara Zulum 

• Highlights: Known for its rich history and vast expanse, including areas like the Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest.

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3. Taraba State – 54,473 km²

• Area: 54,473 km² 

• Neighbors: Adamawa (north), Kaduna and Plateau (west), Benue (southwest), and Cameroon (east).

• Natural Resources: Lead, zinc (and diverse minerals) 

• Governor (2025): Agbu Kefas 

• Highlights: Home to Gashaka Gumti—the largest wildlife park in Nigeria—and diverse landscapes.

Read also: Top 10 Best Wedding Photographers in Nigeria

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4. Kaduna State – 46,053 km²

• Area: 46,053 km² 

• Neighbors: Katsina (north), Kano (northeast), Bauchi (east), Plateau (southeast), Niger (west), and FCT (south).

• Natural Resources: Tin, columbite, limestone, iron ore, gold, gemstones (sapphire, topaz, etc.) 

• Governor (2025): Uba Sani 

• Notes: Recently initiated a major agricultural empowerment program, distributing farm machinery like power tillers and solar pumps for year-round farming. 

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5. Bauchi State – 45,893 km²

• Area: 45,893 km² 

• Neighbors: Kaduna and Plateau (northwest), Gombe (northeast), Yobe (east), Taraba (southeast), and Plateau (southwest).

• Natural Resources: Gold, cassiterite, columbite, gypsum, wolfram, coal, limestone, lignite, iron ore, clay 

• Governor (2025): Bala Mohammed 

• Highlights: Home to Yankari Game Reserve, one of Nigeria’s premium wildlife attractions.

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6. Yobe State – 45,502 km²

• Area: 45,502 km² 

• Neighbors: Borno (north), Bauchi and Gombe (south), Jigawa (west), and international border with Niger (north).

• Natural Resources: Gypsum, kaolin, agriculture (groundnuts, beans, cotton, gum arabic) 

• Governor (2025): Mai Mala Buni 

• Notes: Rich in both mineral and agricultural resources, with expanding cross-border trade potential.

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7. Zamfara State – 39,762 km²

• Area: 39,762 km² 

• Neighbors: Kebbi (northwest), Sokoto (west), Niger (southwest), Katsina (north), Kaduna (east).

• Natural Resources: Gold, agricultural staples (millet, maize, rice) 

• Governor (2025): Dauda Lawal 

• Highlights: Notable for gold mining and strong agricultural output.

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8. Adamawa State – 36,917 km²

• Area: 36,917 km² 

• Neighbors: Borno (north), Yobe (northwest), Gombe (west), Taraba (southwest), Cameroonian border (east).

• Natural Resources: Bentonite, gypsum, kaolin, magnesite 

• Governor (2025): Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri 

• Highlights: Features include the Mambilla Plateau and UNESCO-listed Sukur Cultural Landscape.

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9. Kwara State – 36,825 km²

• Area: 36,825 km² 

• Neighbors: Niger (north), Kogi (east), Ekiti and Osun (south), Ogun and Oyo (southwest), Benin border (west).

• Natural Resources: Petroleum, gold, limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz, granite, laterite 

• Governor (2025): AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq 

• Notes: A resource-diverse state; also building innovation hubs and promoting agriculture and clean water initiatives. 

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10. Kebbi State – 36,800 km²

• Area: 36,800 km² 

• Neighbors: Sokoto (north), Zamfara (east), Niger Republic (west), also borders Burkina Faso in the northwest.

• Natural Resources: Gold

• Governor (2025): Nasir Idris 

• Highlights: Known for its gold reserves and agricultural economy, especially the annual Argungu Fishing Festival.

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Summary Table

Rank	State	Area (km²)	Governor (2025)	Notable Features & Resources
1	Niger	76,363	Umar Mohammed Bago	Hydropower, gold, park zones
2	Borno	70,898	Babagana Umara Zulum	Minerals, vast land, Lake Chad region
3	Taraba	54,473	Agbu Kefas	Wildlife park, minerals, diverse terrain
4	Kaduna	46,053	Uba Sani	Minerals, gemstones, agricultural investments
5	Bauchi	45,893	Bala Mohammed	Wildlife reserve, minerals
6	Yobe	45,502	Mai Mala Buni	Agriculture, minerals, Sahel border
7	Zamfara	39,762	Dauda Lawal	Gold mining, agriculture
8	Adamawa	36,917	Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri	Cultural heritage, plateau, minerals
9	Kwara	36,825	AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq	Multiple minerals, innovation, farming
10	Kebbi	36,800	Nasir Idris	Gold, cultural festivals

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Why This Matters

These top 10 largest states hold vast potential—from untapped resources to significant cultural and ecological sites. Understanding their governors, geographic prominence, and natural wealth is vital for strategic development, investment opportunities, and heritage preservation.

Let me know if you'd like deeper insights into any one state, or tweaks for style, tone, or format!