Which cities are the largest cities in Nigeria by population? It is the world’s most populous black nation and Africa’s fastest-growing economy. Nigeria is well known in Africa, and it’s also a global force to be reckoned with.
Its citizens are breaking new ground in athletics, literature, science, and art among other fields. The country’s economy makes it a prominent investment destination for both African and foreign businesses. As a consequence of its rising population, it is home to some of Africa’s largest nations.
Nigeria is made up of 36 states and around two hundred and fifty ethnic groups, the most well-known of which are Yoruba Hausa, and Igbo. Due to the country’s many ethnic groups, Nigeria has over 500 languages.
The goal of this essay is to determine which city in Nigeria is the largest. It’s possible you’ve heard or witnessed others disagree with it. It’s OK if you don’t know or if you require proof to back up your claim; we’ll take care of it.
The population of Nigeria’s biggest city is used in this post. It is not to be misunderstood as Nigeria’s biggest city in terms of land area. Now that we’ve cleared things out, let’s look at Nigeria’s top 10 cities.
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Top 10 Largest Cities In Nigeria By Population
1. Lagos city, Population – 21,000,000
Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria by population and the 6th oil-producing state in the country. Located in the western part of the country, on the Atlantic Ocean’s shore. Without a question, Lagos is the most populated city.
Due to the abundance of opportunities, this soon-to-be Mighty city will serve as the economic center of Western Africa as a whole, drawing both local and foreign investors. Given the city’s population of approximately 21,000,000 people, these staggering figures are unsurprising.
The city has significant market growth in everything from culture and entertainment to technology, and it is home to the headquarters of numerous well-known companies. The interesting part is when most people think of Nigeria, they think of this area.
Lagos has a diverse ethnic makeup as a consequence of local and international migration, however, the Yorubas are the majority ethnic group. The city, like any other large city, suffers from pollution and traffic congestion.
Despite economic improvement, economic disparities among the people have become a characteristic of Lagos. Slum-dwellers comprise around 66 percent of Lagos’ population.
2. Kano city, Population – 3,500,000
Kano is Nigeria’s second-largest city, situated in the country’s northern parts. The city is dominated by Hausas and Fulanis, with a total population of roughly 3,500,000 people.
Kano is known as the commercial center of the North. In the city, food processing, textile, and other businesses are prospering. Rich crops farmed in the city include wheat, peanuts, millet, cotton, maize, and rice.
English is the general language (official), however, Hausa is commonly used across the city. It has a 499-square-kilometer metropolitan area.
The climate in the city, as well as other sections of the city in the north, is tropical savanna. this city is hot all year, although from December to February it becomes a bit warmer.
Except for the rainy season, which runs from June to September, Kano is usually dry.
3. Ibadan city, Population – 3,000,000
Ibadan, the city that has the capital with a population of around three million people. It was founded in the eighteenth century by the Yoruba people, who continue to rule the city today.
Ibadan is located in southern Nigeria, in the southeast of Oyo city, about 120 kilometers(75 miles) east of Nigeria’s international border with Benin Republic and 119 kilometers (74 miles) northeast of Lagos.
Ibadan was known for its robust business and commercial activities under the British era. Among the most prominent agricultural services and goods in the city are food processing, cigarette production, cotton, and cocoa.
Ibadan is also a major educational hub since it is home to Nigeria’s first institution. During and after Gaining independence in 1960, Ibadan in Oyo city was the country’s largest and most populous city. It was once known as Africa’s second-most populous city, behind Cairo, Egypt.
Although not as substantial as Lagos, this city has witnessed a growth in populace and immigration rate in recent years. As a consequence, heavy traffic is decreased, and the environment is generally calmer.
4. Abuja city, Population – 3,000,000
Welcome to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja. With a population of almost 3 million unconfirmed people. The Aso Villa, as well as the administrative city houses, government ministries, foreign embassies, and parastatals, are all situated here.
With an annual growth rate of at least 35 percent, this city is still the quickest city on the African continent and one of the quickest nations in the world. Since the city is seeing a large influx of people, everyone can see it.
Abuja is home to some of Nigeria’s most rich and gorgeous real cities, in addition to being the country’s capital and power base.
5. Port Harcourt city, Population – 1,500,000
Port Harcourt is the fifth biggest city in Nigeria by population. The firm was formed in 1912 by Frederick Lugard. The city has a population of almost 1,500,000 people. The primary industry of the city is petroleum.
For the first time, crude oil was discovered at Oloibiri in 1956. Because of the benefits of the Nigerian petroleum business, Port Harcourt was then enlarged with modernist features like road crossings, city blocks, and huge buildings.
Royal Dutch Shell, Chevron, and several oil firms have their headquarters in the city. Port Harcourt is quite expensive so try not to compare it with other cities. Many higher education institutions are in Port Harcourt, the bulk of which are government-owned.
These institutions include government ministries, Rivers city University of Science and Technology, College of Arts and Science, government ministries Rivers city College, and Rivers city College of Health Science and Technology.
The city’s principal airport is Port Harcourt International Airport, which is located on the outskirts of the city.
6. Benin city, Population – 1,300,000
Benin is noted for being one of the oldest cities and kingdoms in the nation. Today, Benin serves as the capital of Edo city and is known for its history and rich culture.
This metropolis is Nigeria’s sixth-largest city, with a population of over 1.3 million people. The city is regarded as one of the wealthiest in history because of early commercial activity in the sixteen and seventeenth centuries.
Benin’s people were among the first to contact Europeans. Both sides did a considerable bit of business at this time. As a consequence, it developed and is now one of the most known empires in the nation.
Various artworks, mainly bronze casting and other metal works, which were part of the trade at the period, may be found in Benin. Though some visitors have gone on to other beaches, the history of the area continues to draw visitors and art.
Tourist attractions include the Palaces of the king of Benin, the Natural History Museum, and King’s Square.
7. Maiduguri, Population – 1,200,000
Borno’s populace is about 1,200,00 people, it is certainly one of Nigeria’s most populous cities. This city in the northeast is known as Yerwa, which is derived from the (Kanuri) word “Herwa.” The term “Yerwa” means “promising or excellent land.”
Shuwa, the Kanuri, Bura, Hausa, Marghi, and Fulani are among the ethnic groups that live in the region. In Maiduguri, though, Hausa is the most frequently spoken language.
Despite the huge percentage of Muslims, there is also a substantial percentage of Christians in the area.
8. Zaria, Population – 1,133,430
Zaria’s population is expected to be at 1,133,430 million people. The major language spoken here, like in most other northern cities, is Hausa. Agriculture employs the vast majority of Kaduna’s population.
They are a major producer of groundnuts, tobacco, and cotton all over the globe. In Kaduna, Zaria is the most important city. A few of the seven historic “Hausa cities,” Zaria was previously known as Zazzau.
Zazzau is supposed to have been created in 1513 but was named after Queen (Amina) Zaria later on.
9. Aba, Population – 9,000
We’ve made it to the eastern coast! Aba is among the major cities in the city. without a question, the city’s most economically active region. It is more than just a local shopping mall; it services the whole southeast and south-south districts.
Expressions as “Made in Aba” are widespread including Lagos. It is to illustrate how well-rounded their business knowledge is. With a populace of about 9 thousand people, it is unquestionably one of Nigeria’s most populous cities.
Although the Igbos are the majority, the city is home to a varied spectrum of tribes from around Nigeria.
10. Jos, Population – 8,000
Another city in Nigeria’s Middle Belt is Jos. Last on our list of Nigeria’s most populous cities. Jos is home to an estimated 8 thousand inhabitants.
One of the most well-known mining locations in Nigeria. This location is rich in columbite and tin. Even among those who have not yet visited, Jos-Town is well-known for its fresh fruit sales, and its peculiar weather is a subject of debate.
You must have learned something about the city if you read the whole article without skipping any portions. So, the next time someone brings up Nigeria’s largest city, you may direct them to this website.
