Nigeria is a country located in West Africa with a population of over 200 million people. As the most populous country in Africa, it is no surprise that Nigeria is home to several large cities. In this article, we will explore the largest cities in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the country’s largest city, Lagos.
Table of Contents:
Largest Cities in Nigeria
Nigeria has several large cities, but the following are the top ten most populous cities in the country:
- Lagos
- Kano
- Ibadan
- Abuja
- Port Harcourt
- Benin City
- Maiduguri
- Zaria
- Aba
- Jos
Lagos – Nigeria’s Largest City
Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 14 million people. Located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, Lagos is the country’s economic capital and the largest port in West Africa. It is also home to many multinational companies and serves as the country’s financial and industrial hub.
Despite being Nigeria’s most populous city, Lagos is also known for its traffic congestion, with traffic often coming to a standstill during peak hours. The city is also prone to flooding, with some areas being severely affected during the rainy season.
- Lagos Postcode starts with the lowest code, which is 100001 to 102361. Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria and was the capital of Nigeria until 1991.
Kano
Kano is the second-largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 3 million people. It is located in the northern part of the country and is known for its historic significance. The city was once a major center of the Islamic religion and the seat of the Kano Emirate.
- Kano City ZIP Code is 700xxx. Kano is a city located in Kano State, Nigeria, and is the capital city of Kano State. It is the second-largest city in Nigeria after the city of Lagos.
Ibadan
Ibadan is the third-largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 2 million people. It is located in the southwestern part of Nigeria, about 128 kilometers northeast of Lagos. Ibadan is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical sites and monuments.
- Ibadan Postal code is 200xxx. The city of Ibadan is the capital city of Oyo State in Nigeria. It is the third-largest city by population in Nigeria after Lagos and Kano.
Abuja
Abuja is the fourth-largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 1 million people. It is the country’s capital and is located in the center of Nigeria. Abuja was chosen as Nigeria’s capital in 1991 to replace Lagos, which was seen as overcrowded and prone to environmental hazards.
- The postal code for Abuja is 900001 as the headquarters. Abuja is the capital and the eighth-most populous city in Nigeria. The city is located in the center of the country within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). NIPOST’s main post office address is located in this city.
Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt is the fifth-largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 1 million people. It is located in the southern part of Nigeria, in the Niger Delta region. Port Harcourt is known for its oil industry and is home to several multinational oil companies.
- Port Harcourt Postcode is 500001 to 500272. Port Harcourt is the capital and largest city in Rivers State, Nigeria. In Nigeria, Port Harcourt is the fifth largest city in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, and Kaduna. The area that became Port Harcourt was previously agricultural land of the Rebisi, an ethnic group of the Ikwerre region that was in 1912.
Kaduna City
- Kaduna Postal code is 800xxx. Kaduna City is the capital city of Kaduna State, North West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. the city is the former political capital of Northern Nigeria.
Benin City
Benin City is the sixth-largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 1 million people. It is located in the southern part of Nigeria, about 25 kilometers north of the Benin River. Benin City is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with several historical sites and monuments, including the ancient Benin City walls.
- Benin City Postal Code is 300xxx. Benin City is the capital and largest city in Edo State, in the Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. This city or town is the fourth largest city in Nigeria after Lagos, Kano, and Ibadan.
Maiduguri
Maiduguri is the seventh-largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 1 million people. It is located in the northeastern part of Nigeria and is the capital of the Borno State. Maiduguri is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with several historical sites and monuments, including the Shehu of Borno’s palace.
- The postcode for Maiduguri is 600xxx. Maiduguri is the capital and largest city in the Maiduguri Local Government Area, in Borno State, North East Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria.
Zaria
Zaria is the eighth-largest city in Nigeria, with a population estimated at over 750,000 people. It is located in the northern part of Nigeria and is known for its historic significance. Zaria was once the capital of the Zazzau Kingdom and is home to several historical sites and monuments.
Aba
Aba is one of the largest cities in Nigeria and is located in the southeastern part of the country. It is the commercial center of Abia State and is known for its vibrant and bustling markets, which attract traders from all over Nigeria and neighboring countries. Aba is also known for its thriving manufacturing industry, which produces a wide range of products including textiles, shoes, plastics, and metal products.
Jos
Located in the middle belt of Nigeria, Jos is the capital of Plateau state and the sixth largest city in Nigeria. The city is known for its serene weather and captivating scenery. Jos is a major tourist destination in Nigeria, attracting tourists from different parts of the world.
Ilorin
Ilorin is the capital of Kwara state and one of the largest cities in Nigeria. The city is situated in the north-central part of Nigeria and is a major transportation hub in the region. Ilorin is home to several tertiary institutions, including the University of Ilorin, which is one of the largest universities in Nigeria.
Akure
Akure is the capital of Ondo state and one of the largest cities in Nigeria. The city is located in the south-western part of Nigeria and is known for its rich cultural heritage. Akure is home to several tourist attractions, including the Idanre Hills and the Owo Museum of Antiquities.
Ogbomoso
Ogbomoso is the largest city in Oyo state and one of the largest cities in Nigeria. The city is located in the south-western part of Nigeria and is a major transportation hub in the region. Ogbomoso is home to several tertiary institutions, including Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Umuahia
Umuahia is the capital of Abia state and one of the largest cities in Nigeria. The city is located in the south-eastern part of Nigeria and is a major commercial hub in the region. Umuahia is home to several notable institutions, including Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
In conclusion, Nigeria is home to several large and bustling cities, each with its unique culture and attractions. Lagos remains the largest and most populous city in Nigeria, followed by Kano and Ibadan. Other notable cities in Nigeria include Abuja, Port Harcourt, Jos, Ilorin, Akure, Ogbomoso, and Umuahia. These cities play a significant role in Nigeria’s economic, social, and political landscape, and they continue to attract both local and international visitors.
