10 Biggest Cities In Nigeria (By Land Mass)
Nigeria, a West African nation, has some of the biggest cities In Africa. These cities are not only notable in terms of their size but also their cultural, historical, and economic value. Among them, Ibadan stands as the largest city, with a land area of 3,080 km², followed by Ogbomosho and Jos.
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Which City Has The Largest Land Mass In Nigeria?
Here are the 10 biggest cities in Nigeria by land area:
- Ibadan – 3,080 km²
- Ogbomosho – 2,110 km²
- Jos – 1,821 km²
- Abuja – 1,769 km²
- Benin City – 1,204 km²
- Lagos – 1,171 km²
- Warri – 1,048 km²
- Akure – 991 km²
- Abeokuta – 879 km²
- Ilorin – 765 km²
1. Ibadan – 3,080 km²
Ibadan is the largest city in Nigeria by landmass, covering 3,080 km². It was founded in 1829 as a military camp for warriors from Oyo, Ife, and Ijebu.
The city’s name comes from “Eba-Odan,” meaning “by the edge of the meadow.” Due to its strategic location, Ibadan quickly grew into a major military and economic center.
By the late 19th century, it was the dominant power in Yorubaland and was known as “Idi-Ibon” or “gun base.” In 1893, Ibadan became a British Protectorate. It became the headquarters of the Western Provinces in 1939 and remains an important trade and economic hub.
The city is known for agriculture, trade, and industries such as textile, food processing, and tobacco. It also hosts the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), which focuses on crops like cassava and maize.
Ibadan is well connected by roads and railways, making it a key commercial center. It is one of Nigeria’s most affordable cities to live in, with a thriving economy supported by farming, banking, and public service jobs.
2. Ogbomosho – 2,110 km²
Ogbomosho is the second of the largest cities in Nigeria by land area, covering about 2,110 km². Located in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria, it was founded in the 17th century and has grown into a major urban center.
The city has five local government areas, contributing to its large population, which was estimated at around 655,517 in 2025. Historically, Ogbomosho was known for its strong warriors and strategic defense system.
It provided refuge to many during the Fulani wars, which helped expand its size and influence. The city’s first ruler, Ogunlola, was instrumental in its foundation, and his home later became the Soun’s palace.
Ogbomosho’s economy is driven by agriculture, with large cashew and mango plantations, as well as cassava farming. The city also has a history of trade and animal rearing.
It is home to institutions like Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and Bowen University Teaching Hospital. Despite its growth, Ogbomosho faces challenges such as poor infrastructure and limited government investment.
3. Jos – 1,821 km²
Jos, covering 1,821 km², is the third largest city in Plateau State, Nigeria. Located in the North-Central region, it sits on the Jos Plateau, surrounded by roads and scenic mountains.
The city is a key connection point between northeastern Nigeria and the capital, Abuja. Jos was home to the Nok people, known for their advanced terracotta sculptures.
During British colonial rule, large tin deposits were discovered, leading to rapid growth. The British introduced mining, attracting diverse ethnic groups, including Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba traders.
This group made Jos a cosmopolitan city, earning it the nickname “J-Town.” Jos was originally called “Gwosh” by the Afusari people.
Since then, the name was formed due to mispronunciations by the Hausa and British. The city became the capital of Benue-Plateau State in 1967 and later Plateau State in 1975.
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4. Abuja – 1,769 km²
Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is the fourth largest city In Nigeria by landmass, with a land area of 1,769 km². Located in the center of the country, it was chosen as the capital to promote unity and was officially declared Nigeria’s capital on December 12, 1991, replacing Lagos.
Abuja is known for its planned layout, wide roads, and modern infrastructure. It is home to government buildings, including the Presidential Complex, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court.
Aso Rock, a towering 400-meter monolith, dominates the city’s skyline, while Zuma Rock, even taller at 792 meters, stands just outside the city. Abuja has experienced rapid growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the world.
As of 2016, its metropolitan population was estimated at six million. The city is a major political and economic hub in Africa, hosting international conferences and organizations.
Also, the city is served by Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. As one of Africa’s wealthiest cities, Abuja continues to attract businesses, expatriates, and visitors.
5. Benin City – 1,204 km²
Benin City is the capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria, and it is the fifth of the largest cities in the country by land area, covering 1,204 km². The city once served as the center of the powerful Benin Kingdom, which flourished from the 13th to the 19th century.
It was known for its advanced society, strong trade connections with Portugal, and the famous Benin Bronzes, which were later taken by the British during their invasion in 1897.
Located near the Benin River, the city is about 320 km from Lagos. It has a fertile landscape and is a major hub for rubber and palm oil production.
The people of Benin City, known as the Edo people, have a cultural heritage, with traditional attire featuring beads, body marks, and intricate designs.
After Nigeria’s independence in 1960, Benin City became the capital of the Mid-Western Region, later renamed Bendel State. In 1991, Edo State was created, and Benin City became its capital.
6. Lagos – 1,171 km²
Lagos, the most populous city In Africa is the sixth Nigeria’s largest city by land area (1,171 km²), Lagos is the country’s economic powerhouse, generating about 30-35% of Nigeria’s GDP, and is home to major financial institutions, including the region’s biggest banks.
The city is also a key hub for telecommunications and technology, hosting five out of Africa’s seven tech unicorns. Lagos’ ports, including Apapa and Tin Can Island, handle most of Nigeria’s maritime trade.
The newly opened Lekki Deep Sea Port also boosts its role in global shipping. The city is also home to Nollywood, one of the world’s largest film industries, and a thriving media sector.
Industries in Lagos include oil refining, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, and food processing. The Lekki Free Trade Zone supports business growth, and major trade fairs attract international investors.
With its growing infrastructure, 24-hour economy, and booming tech scene, Lagos is often called “Africa’s Silicon Valley.” It is also a major fashion, entertainment, and cultural hub.
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7. Warri – 1,048 km²
Warri, a major city in South-South Nigeria is the seventh biggest city in Nigeria with an area of 1,048 km² and serves as a key hub for the country’s petroleum industry.
Located in Delta State, it shares borders with Uvwie, Udu, and Ogbe-Ijoh, forming a growing urban conurbation. Warri sits along the Warri River, connecting to the Forcados and Escravos Rivers.
Warri was the capital of the colonial Warri Province in the early 1900s. The city’s name originated from Ode-Itsekiri, the ancestral home of the Itsekiri people, and was later anglicized by Europeans.
British influence in the region grew from the late 19th century, using local chiefs as intermediaries in trade. Today, Warri is home to the Warri Refinery and several multinational oil companies.
It also hosts a steel company, glass manufacturing plants, and a power station in nearby Ughelli. The city has an international stadium, home to Warri Wolves FC, and has hosted international sports events.
8. Akure – 991 km²
Akure, the capital of Ondo State in southwestern Nigeria is the eighth biggest city In Nigeria by area, covering an area of 991 km². It is a historic city with roots tracing back over 11,000 years, as seen in ancient rock engravings and early human fossils discovered nearby.
According to oral history, the city was founded by Alakure but later taken over by Omoremilekun Asodeboyede, a descendant of Oduduwa, the legendary progenitor of the Yoruba people.
Asodeboyede established the modern Akure Kingdom, and his descendants have ruled the city since. The Deji of Akure, the city’s traditional ruler, resides in the historic Oba’s Palace, which dates back to 1150 AD.
Akure became the capital of Ondo State in 1976 and has since grown into a major commercial and educational hub. The city has a mix of high-density and low-density residential areas and is home to several radio and television stations.
Agriculture is the heart of Akure’s economy, with farmers growing cocoa, yam, cassava, maize, and cotton. The city also hosts an annual trade fair to promote agricultural products.
9. Abeokuta – 879 km²
Abeokuta is the capital of Ogun State, located in southwestern Nigeria. It sits on the eastern part of the Ogun River, surrounded by rocky outcrops and a wooded savanna.
The city is about 77 kilometers (48 miles) north of Lagos by railway and 130 kilometers (81 miles) by water. As of 2006, the population of Abeokuta and its surrounding area was 449,088.
The city’s geography includes fertile land covered with wooded savanna and large granite rocks. Abeokuta is known for its trade in palm oil, lumber, natural rubber, yams, rice, cassava, maize, cotton, fruits, and shea butter.
It is also an export hub for cocoa, palm products, fruits, and kola nuts. Rice and cotton were introduced in the 1850s and are key parts of its economy, alongside indigo dye.
Abeokuta is home to Olumo Rock, which has caves and shrines. The city relies on the Oyan River Dam for water, although this supply can be unreliable.
Local industries in the city are fruit canning, plastics, breweries, sawmills, and aluminum products. The Aro granite quarries are also located to the south of the city.
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10. Ilorin – 765 km²
Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State in western Nigeria, is a major city with a rich history. Located on the Awun River, it covers 765 km² and has a population of over 777,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in Nigeria.
In the 15th century when the Yoruba people founded the city, It became a military headquarters for the Oyo Empire, but in the early 1800s, a local military leader named Afonja led a rebellion that weakened the empire.
Afonja allied with Mallam Alimi, an Islamic preacher from Sokoto, which brought Islam to the region. After Afonja’s death, Ilorin became part of the Sokoto Caliphate.
During the 19th century, Ilorin was a key trade center between the Yoruba and Hausa peoples. The city resisted British rule until 1897 when it was finally incorporated into the British Northern Nigeria Protectorate.
By the 20th century, Ilorin became part of Kwara State, which was created in 1967. The city retains a strong Islamic influence, although it is home to a different population practicing both Islam and Christianity.
