Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria with 3,345km², followed by Anambra (4,844km²); Imo (5,530km²); Ebonyi (5,670km²), and Abia with 6,320km².
The land size of the 10 smallest in Nigeria combined is 66,328, which is less than the size of Niger or Borno State. This means Bayelsa, Osun, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, Anambra and Lagos states are not up to the size of Niger.
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As tiny as Lagos is, its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2020 is bigger than the IGR of all the 10 largest states combine in 2020 and 2021.
Lagos State has the highest Internally Generated Revenue with N204.51bn recorded in H1 2020, closely followed by Rivers State with N64.59bn.
National Bureau Of Statistics (H1 2020)
Takeaway:
- All the South-Eastern states consisting of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo make the list
- No Northern state is among the smallest states
- Three out of the South-Western states make the list
So…
What are the 10 smallest states in Nigeria?
The population of Lagos which is the smallest state in Nigeria is twice the population of Niger or Borno, the two largest states in Nigeria in terms of landmass.
1) Lagos State
- Land size: 3,345km²
- Geopolitical zone: South-West
- Date of creation:May 27, 1967
Lagos is Nigeria’s former Federal Capital Territory, covering 3,345km² land area, 81.32 per cent of the land is covered by water.
It has 20 constitutionally recognised Local council areas in the state and many other development areas.
Despite the tiny space available in Lagos, it is the hub for commercial activities and houses Nigeria’s main seaports.
It is also the headquarters of the media industry in Nigeria and is highly populated because of its commercial opportunities.
2) Anambra
- Land size: 4,844km²
- Geopolitical zone: South-East
- Date of creation: August 27, 1991
With 21 local government areas, Anambra state is the second smallest state in Nigeria, but the state is home to many factories and locally manufactured products, ranging from shoes to car engines among others.
Not just that, Anambra is the eighth-most populated state and the second-most densely populated state after Lagos.
Major towns and cities in Anambra include Onitsha, Abba (industrial town), Oko, Awka (state capital), Oba, Isuofia among others.
3) Imo State
- Land size: 5,530km²
- Geopolitical zone: South-East
- Date of creation: February 3, 1976
With 5,530km² landmass, Imo state is the third smallest state in Nigeria. The state is known for the production of palm oil. It is also home to over 160 oil wells, making it one of the oil-producing states in Nigeria.
With 27 local government areas, Imo shares boundaries with Abia, Delta, Anambra, Rivers States.
4) Ebonyi
- Land size: 5,670km²
- Geopolitical zone: South-East
- Date of creation: October 1, 1996
Known for its production of rice, yam, potatoes, maize, and beans among other agricultural products, Ebonyi sits on 5,670km², making it the 4th on the table. It has 13 LGAs.
Major towns in the state include Abakaliki (state capital), Afikpo, Ishiagu, Onueke, Ozizza, Ishiagu
5) Abia State
- Land size: 6,320km²
- Geopolitical zone: South-East
Created on August 27, 1991, from Imo state by the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Abia State is the 5th smallest state in Nigeria. It has 17 local council areas.
The other five smallest states are captured in the table below:
Recap:
| Smallest Nigerian States | Land Size by km² |
| Lagos | 3,345 |
| Anambra | 4,844 |
| Imo | 5,530 |
| Ebonyi | 5,670 |
| Abia | 6,320 |
| Ekiti | 6,353 |
| Akwa Ibom | 7,081 |
| Enugu | 7,161 |
| Osun | 9,251 |
| Bayelsa | 10,773 |
Sources:
- Featured Image by The Guardian Nigeria
- National Bureau Of Statistics (2020). “Internally Generated Revenue At State Level (H1 2020) PDF”.Nigerianstat.gov.ng. Retrieved March 8, 2022.