Nigeria is made up of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, each with a name rooted in history, geography, culture, or influential figures. Many Nigerians know their state names but not the stories behind them. Below is a simplified and educational explanation of how the 36 Nigerian states got their names. Check your state and share to enlighten others.
Abia State was formed in 1991, and its name is an acronym drawn from four major areas at the time of creation: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo.
Adamawa State was named after Modibbo Adama Bin Ardo Hassan, a renowned Fulani warrior and leader who expanded Islamic influence across the region in the early 19th century.
Akwa Ibom State derives its name from the Qua Iboe River, a major water body flowing through the area.
Anambra State got its name from a distorted pronunciation of “Oma Mbala,” an ancient river known locally as Ànyịm Ọma Mbala.
Bauchi State comes from a Hausa term referring to the southern edge of Hausaland. Over time, the area became widely known as Bauchi.
Bayelsa State’s name is a blend of parts of three former local government areas carved out of Rivers State: Brass (BA), Yenagoa (YEL), and Sagbama (SA).
Benue State was named after River Benue, a name derived from “Binuwe,” meaning “Mother of Waters” in the Batta language.
Borno State takes its name from “Borno,” an alternative name for the Kanuri people, the dominant ethnic group in the region.
Cross River State was named after the Cross River, also known historically as the Oyono River.
Delta State reflects its geography, as it lies where the River Niger spreads out into a delta before flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.
Ebonyi State is named after the Ebonyi River, originally called “Aboine,” which flows through Abakaliki.
Edo State got its name from the Edo or Iduu people, also known as the Bini, who have long inhabited the area.
Ekiti State evolved from the word “Okiti,” a term used to describe a region of many hills.
Enugu State was named from the Igbo phrase “Enu Ugwu,” meaning “top of the hill,” a reference to its hilly terrain.
Gombe State takes its name from a Fulfulde dialect spoken by the Fulani people in the area.
Imo State was named after the Imo River, a prominent river in the southeastern region.
Jigawa State is believed to have been named after the area’s distinctive golden-colored soil.
Kaduna State got its name from the Hausa word “Kaduna,” meaning crocodiles, due to their abundance in the Kaduna River.
Kano State was named after a blacksmith called Kano from the Gaya tribe who settled in the area.
Katsina State was named after Katsina, the wife of a legendary local ruler known as Janzama.
Kebbi State is traditionally believed to have been named in reference to the Ka’aba in Mecca.
Kogi State’s name is derived from “Kogin,” the Hausa word for river, reflecting the state’s famous river confluence.
Kwara State was named after River Niger, which the Nupe people once called River Kwara.
Lagos State was named by Portuguese explorers in 1472. The word “Lagos” means “lakes” in Portuguese, reflecting the area’s lagoons.
Nasarawa State comes from a local word meaning “victory,” named by Makama Dogo, founder of the Nasarawa Kingdom.
Niger State was named after the River Niger, one of Africa’s most important rivers.
Ogun State was named after the Ogun River, which also holds cultural significance among the Yoruba people.
Ondo State got its name from a word referring to settlers of the old Ondo Kingdom.
Osun State was named after the Osun River, a sacred river in Yoruba tradition.
Oyo State was named after the historic Old Oyo Empire.
Plateau State takes its name from the Jos Plateau, with “Jos” believed to be a mispronunciation of “Gwosh.”
Rivers State was named because of the numerous rivers and creeks that define its landscape.
Sokoto State comes from the Arabic word “Suk,” meaning market, and was named after the historic Sokoto Caliphate.
Taraba State was named after the Taraba River.
Yobe State got its name from the Yobe River, also known as Komadugu Yobe.
Zamfara State was named after “Zamfarawa,” a subgroup of the Eastern Hausa people.
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, was named after Abubakar Ja, a prominent early settler. Over time, his name was shortened to “Abuja” in Hausa usage.
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Nigeria’s state names tell powerful stories of heritage, geography, and identity. Knowing them deepens appreciation for the nation’s diversity and history.