World Bank modelled population estimates for 2026 ranked all 36 Nigerian states and the FCT by population sizeKano led the list with over 16 million people, while Lagos came second with more than 13 million residentsThe data revealed a sharp population gap between Nigeria’s largest and smallest states, with Bayelsa recording the lowest figurePAY ATTENTION: Mark Legit.ng as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!World Bank modelled population estimates for 2026 have placed Kano State at the top of Nigeria’s population rankings, with an estimated 16,078,213 residents, making it by far the most populous state in the country.The figures, compiled as part of the World Bank’s Joint Food Security Monitor and shared by data platform Statisense, cover all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The data are modelled estimates, not census counts. Nigeria’s most recent official census was conducted in 2006.StatiSense disclosed this via its X handle @StatiSense on Thursday, November 12, 2026.Nigeria’s 10 most populous statesLagos, long regarded as the country’s commercial engine, ranked second with an estimated population of 13,445,960. Ogun followed in third place with 11,065,443, ahead of Kaduna at 10,300,606 and Oyo at 10,009,651.PAY ATTENTION: From breaking news to viral moments.
Follow Legit.ng on Instagram!Katsina rounded off the top six with 9,639,417 people, while Rivers came seventh at 9,526,892. Bauchi placed eighth with 7,946,323, Borno ninth at 7,843,225, and Benue tenth with 7,014,422 residents.Full state-by-state rankingsThe complete 2026 estimated population figures for all 36 states and the FCT are as follows:1. Kano — 16,078,213 2. Lagos — 13,445,9603.
Ogun — 11,065,443 4. Kaduna — 10,300,606 5. Oyo — 10,009,651 6. Katsina — 9,639,417 7.
Rivers — 9,526,892 8. Bauchi — 7,946,323 9. Borno — 7,843,225 10. Benue — 7,014,422 11.
Niger — 6,970,623 12. Anambra — 6,959,407 13. Delta — 6,938,397 14. Jigawa — 6,748,924 15.
Akwa Ibom — 6,680,410 16. Imo — 6,659,338 17. Sokoto — 6,016,163 18. Kogi — 5,622,372 19.
Osun — 5,621,340 20. Ondo — 5,562,07921. Adamawa — 5,485,868 22. Zamfara — 5,406,423 23.
Kebbi — 5,287,266 24. Edo — 5,282,010 25. FCT — 5,280,317 26. Enugu — 5,232,613 27.
Plateau — 5,141,279 28. Abia — 4,586,262 29. Cross River — 4,520,576 30. Yobe — 4,425,235 31.
Ekiti — 4,230,440 32. Kwara — 3,993,249 33. Gombe — 3,808,962 34. Nasarawa — 3,788,196 35.
Ebonyi — 3,712,174 36. Taraba — 3,457,268 37. Bayelsa — 2,873,671Bayelsa recorded the lowest population among all 36 states at 2,873,671, less than a fifth of Kano’s total. The North-West geopolitical zone accounts for several of the most populous states on the list, including Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina, while South-West states Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo also feature prominently in the top five.Data shows Nigerians’ population in southeast, northwest, other Regions Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Nigeria’s population as of 2024 has been estimated to be around 225 million, according to data shared by StatisSense on Thursday, July 3.In the report, the southern population is estimated to be 100 million, while the population of the northern region is pegged at 125 million.The data further breaks down the population in the South-South, South West, South East, North-West, North East and North Central.
Source: Legit.ng Adekunle Dada (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Adekunle Dada is a Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a B.Sc. in Mass Communication from Lagos State University, Ojo, and brings over eight years of professional media experience to his role. He has spent his career refining his craft at PM News, The Sun, and Within Nigeria. In 2024, he earned a certification in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative.
He can be reached at adekunle.dada@corp.legit.ng Rivers StateLagos StateAbujaKano State Jamb Nigerian agricultural quarantine service Trust message Things girlfriend happy Cooking gas
