List of 36 States in Nigeria and Their Slogans
Nigeria is a country known for its cultural diversity, natural resources, historical landmarks, and economic activities. Each of its 36 states has a unique identity, often represented by a popular slogan or nickname.
These slogans reflect the history, culture, economic strengths, natural attractions, or aspirations of the people living in each state.
For example, Lagos State is popularly called the Centre of Excellence, Kano State is known as the Centre of Commerce, and Benue State is recognised as the Food Basket of the Nation.
If you are looking for the complete list of states in Nigeria and their slogans, this article provides the names, capitals, popular slogans, and geopolitical zones of all 36 Nigerian states.
How Many States Are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The country is also divided into six geopolitical zones: North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South, and South West.
Although Abuja is Nigeria’s capital, the FCT is not one of the 36 states.
Each Nigerian state has a capital city and a popularly recognised slogan. However, slogans can change over time, and a state’s promotional nickname may differ from its legally adopted official motto.
Complete List of 36 States in Nigeria and Their Slogans
The following table presents the 36 Nigerian states, their capitals, and their commonly used slogans.
| S/N | State | Capital | Popular Slogan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abia | Umuahia | God’s Own State |
| 2 | Adamawa | Yola | Highest Peak of the Nation |
| 3 | Akwa Ibom | Uyo | Land of Promise |
| 4 | Anambra | Awka | Light of the Nation |
| 5 | Bauchi | Bauchi | Pearl of Tourism |
| 6 | Bayelsa | Yenagoa | Glory of All Lands |
| 7 | Benue | Makurdi | Food Basket of the Nation |
| 8 | Borno | Maiduguri | Home of Peace |
| 9 | Cross River | Calabar | The People’s Paradise |
| 10 | Delta | Asaba | The Big Heart |
| 11 | Ebonyi | Abakaliki | Salt of the Nation |
| 12 | Edo | Benin City | Heartbeat of the Nation |
| 13 | Ekiti | Ado-Ekiti | Land of Honour and Integrity |
| 14 | Enugu | Enugu | Coal City State |
| 15 | Gombe | Gombe | Jewel in the Savannah |
| 16 | Imo | Owerri | Eastern Heartland |
| 17 | Jigawa | Dutse | A New World |
| 18 | Kaduna | Kaduna | The Centre of Learning |
| 19 | Kano | Kano | Centre of Commerce |
| 20 | Katsina | Katsina | Home of Hospitality |
| 21 | Kebbi | Birnin Kebbi | Land of Equity |
| 22 | Kogi | Lokoja | The Confluence State |
| 23 | Kwara | Ilorin | State of Harmony |
| 24 | Lagos | Ikeja | Centre of Excellence |
| 25 | Nasarawa | Lafia | Home of Solid Minerals |
| 26 | Niger | Minna | The Power State |
| 27 | Ogun | Abeokuta | Gateway State |
| 28 | Ondo | Akure | Sunshine State |
| 29 | Osun | Osogbo | Land of Virtue |
| 30 | Oyo | Ibadan | Pace Setter State |
| 31 | Plateau | Jos | Home of Peace and Tourism |
| 32 | Rivers | Port Harcourt | Treasure Base of the Nation |
| 33 | Sokoto | Sokoto | Seat of the Caliphate |
| 34 | Taraba | Jalingo | Nature’s Gift to the Nation |
| 35 | Yobe | Damaturu | Pride of the Sahel |
| 36 | Zamfara | Gusau | Farming Is Our Pride |
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is commonly associated with the slogan Centre of Unity.
Editorial note: Some states have historical or alternative slogans. The table uses commonly documented contemporary versions; it should not be treated as a uniform list of legally enacted state mottos.
Meaning of Popular Nigerian State Slogans
Understanding the meaning of state slogans helps explain the historical and economic characteristics associated with different parts of Nigeria.
1. Lagos State – Centre of Excellence
Lagos is popularly called the Centre of Excellence because of its position as one of Nigeria’s leading centres of commerce, finance, technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
The state is home to major businesses, financial institutions, seaports, and cultural industries.
Although Abuja is Nigeria’s federal capital, Lagos remains a major economic centre.
2. Kano State – Centre of Commerce
Kano is known as the Centre of Commerce because of its long history as an important trading centre in northern Nigeria and West Africa.
The city has historically served as a destination for merchants trading agricultural products, textiles, leather goods, and other commodities.
Kano continues to play an important role in manufacturing, trade, and commercial activities.
3. Benue State – Food Basket of the Nation
Benue State is widely recognised for its agricultural production.
The state produces important food crops, including yam, cassava, rice, maize, and soybeans.
Its agricultural activities contribute to food supply and rural livelihoods, making Food Basket of the Nation a fitting popular nickname.
4. Rivers State – Treasure Base of the Nation
Rivers State is a major centre of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
The state is associated with petroleum production, industrial activities, waterways, and commercial facilities.
Its popular slogan reflects its economic resources and contribution to national development.
5. Ogun State – Gateway State
Ogun State is called the Gateway State because of its geographical position, especially its connections with Lagos and neighbouring Benin.
The state’s location supports transportation, trade, manufacturing, and industrial development.
6. Enugu State – Coal City State
Enugu is known as the Coal City State because of its historical association with coal mining.
Coal deposits discovered around Enugu contributed to the city’s early industrial and administrative development.
Although its economy now includes other activities, coal remains an important part of its historical identity.
7. Plateau State – Home of Peace and Tourism
Plateau State is well known for its highland landscapes, relatively cool climate, and tourism attractions.
Popular destinations include the Jos Plateau and several notable rock formations.
The slogan expresses the state’s tourism aspirations and cultural identity.
8. Kogi State – The Confluence State
Kogi State is known as the Confluence State because the Rivers Niger and Benue meet at Lokoja.
This geographical feature is one of the state’s most recognisable natural landmarks.
The confluence also has historical significance in Nigeria’s transportation and commercial development.
9. Oyo State – Pace Setter State
Oyo State is popularly called the Pace Setter State.
Its capital, Ibadan, has a long history in administration, education, commerce, and urban development.
The nickname reflects the state’s historical contributions and aspirations for leadership in different sectors.
10. Akwa Ibom State – Land of Promise
Akwa Ibom is commonly known as the Land of Promise.
The state possesses natural resources, agricultural opportunities, coastal communities, and industrial potential.
Its slogan expresses optimism about the state’s development and future opportunities.
Why Do Nigerian States Have Slogans?
State slogans serve several purposes.
Cultural identity: They reflect local history, traditions, and the distinct characteristics of communities.
Tourism promotion: Slogans can draw attention to natural landmarks, cultural attractions, and potential visitor experiences.
Economic branding: Some slogans highlight agricultural production, commercial activities, industrial resources, or other economic strengths.
State pride: They can encourage residents to identify with the history and aspirations of their state.
Education: State slogans are commonly included in Nigerian geography and general knowledge lessons.
Are State Slogans and State Mottos the Same?
Not always.
A slogan is a phrase commonly used to promote or identify a place. An official motto may be formally adopted through government instruments or reflected in state symbols.
For example, Bayelsa is popularly described as the Glory of All Lands, while its state government’s published symbols identify Truth, Service and Justice as its motto.
Similarly, Ekiti has historically been associated with the Fountain of Knowledge, and Osun has been called the State of the Living Spring. Other slogans have since become prominent.
Therefore, historical textbooks and modern government publications may use different wording.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Slogan of Lagos State?
Lagos State is popularly known as the Centre of Excellence.
Which State Is Called the Food Basket of the Nation?
Benue State is called the Food Basket of the Nation because of its agricultural production.
What Is the Slogan of Kano State?
Kano State is known as the Centre of Commerce.
Which State Is Called the Coal City State?
Enugu State is called the Coal City State because of its historical coal-mining industry.
What Is the Slogan of Rivers State?
Rivers State is popularly known as the Treasure Base of the Nation.
Which State Is Called the Gateway State?
Ogun State is popularly called the Gateway State.
What Is the Slogan of Abuja?
The Federal Capital Territory is commonly associated with the slogan Centre of Unity.
Which State Is Called the Sunshine State?
Ondo State is popularly known as the Sunshine State.
What Is the Slogan of Adamawa State?
Adamawa is associated with Highest Peak of the Nation in contemporary slogan lists. The state has also historically been called the Land of Beauty.
Conclusion
The 36 states in Nigeria and their slogans reflect the country’s geography, economic activities, historical development, cultural diversity, and regional identities.
From Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, to Kano, the Centre of Commerce, and Benue, the Food Basket of the Nation, these slogans highlight important characteristics of Nigeria’s states.
Learning the states, their capitals, and their slogans is useful for students, teachers, examination candidates, and anyone interested in Nigerian geography.
Because slogans may change or coexist with historical alternatives, readers should consult official state sources when a legally recognised motto is required.