36 States and Their Governors: Updated List

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, operates a federal system of government that distributes authority between the national government and 36 individual states. Each state has a democratically elected governor who serves as the chief executive, overseeing the administration, development, and welfare of the state. Understanding the governors and their states is essential for students, researchers, journalists, investors, and citizens who want to stay informed about the country’s leadership structure.

This article provides an updated list of all 36 Nigerian states, their capitals, and the current governors as of 2025. It also explains the structure of Nigeria’s federal system, the roles of governors, regional groupings, and why these details matter in national development.

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Nigeria’s Federal Structure

Nigeria’s federal system is designed to balance power among the states and the central government. Each of the 36 states functions semi-autonomously with its own executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The states differ in size, culture, resources, and political orientation.

At the state level, the Governor is the highest-ranking official. Governors implement laws, oversee state ministries, manage budgets, enforce security measures, and drive economic growth initiatives. Each governor is supported by:

• A Deputy Governor
• A State Executive Council
• State House of Assembly members
• Local government structures

Nigeria also has the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which is not a state and therefore has no governor. It is administered by a minister appointed by the President.

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Complete Updated List of the 36 States, Capitals, and Governors (2025)

Below is the full, alphabetical list of Nigeria’s states and their current governors:

1. Abia State – Capital: Umuahia – Governor: Alex Otti
2. Adamawa State – Capital: Yola – Governor: Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri
3. Akwa Ibom State – Capital: Uyo – Governor: Umo Eno
4. Anambra State – Capital: Awka – Governor: Charles Chukwuma Soludo
5. Bauchi State – Capital: Bauchi – Governor: Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed
6. Bayelsa State – Capital: Yenagoa – Governor: Douye Diri
7. Benue State – Capital: Makurdi – Governor: Hyacinth Iormem Alia
8. Borno State – Capital: Maiduguri – Governor: Babagana Umara Zulum
9. Cross River State – Capital: Calabar – Governor: Bassey Edet Otu
10. Delta State – Capital: Asaba – Governor: Sheriff Oborevwori
11. Ebonyi State – Capital: Abakaliki – Governor: Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru
12. Edo State – Capital: Benin City – Governor: Godwin Obaseki
13. Ekiti State – Capital: Ado-Ekiti – Governor: Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
14. Enugu State – Capital: Enugu – Governor: Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
15. Gombe State – Capital: Gombe – Governor: Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya
16. Imo State – Capital: Owerri – Governor: Hope Uzodinma
17. Jigawa State – Capital: Dutse – Governor: Umar Namadi
18. Kaduna State – Capital: Kaduna – Governor: Uba Sani
19. Kano State – Capital: Kano – Governor: Abba Kabir Yusuf
20. Katsina State – Capital: Katsina – Governor: Dikko Umaru Radda
21. Kebbi State – Capital: Birnin Kebbi – Governor: Nasir Idris
22. Kogi State – Capital: Lokoja – Governor: Ahmed Usman Ododo
23. Kwara State – Capital: Ilorin – Governor: AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
24. Lagos State – Capital: Ikeja – Governor: Babajide Sanwo-Olu
25. Nasarawa State – Capital: Lafia – Governor: Abdullahi Sule
26. Niger State – Capital: Minna – Governor: Mohammed Umaru Bago
27. Ogun State – Capital: Abeokuta – Governor: Dapo Abiodun
28. Ondo State – Capital: Akure – Governor: Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa
29. Osun State – Capital: Osogbo – Governor: Ademola Adeleke
30. Oyo State – Capital: Ibadan – Governor: Oluseyi “Seyi” Makinde
31. Plateau State – Capital: Jos – Governor: Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang
32. Rivers State – Capital: Port Harcourt – Governor: Siminalayi Fubara
33. Sokoto State – Capital: Sokoto – Governor: Ahmed Aliyu
34. Taraba State – Capital: Jalingo – Governor: Agbu Kefas
35. Yobe State – Capital: Damaturu – Governor: Mai Mala Buni
36. Zamfara State – Capital: Gusau – Governor: Dauda Lawal

This list represents the current leadership landscape across Nigeria’s 36 federating units.

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The FCT: A Special Case

The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) is not part of the 36 states and does not have an elected governor. Instead, its administration is overseen by a Minister of the FCT, who functions somewhat like a governor but is appointed by the President, not elected by residents.

Abuja’s unique status reflects its role as the country’s political and diplomatic center.

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Geopolitical Zones and Their Governors

Nigeria’s 36 states are grouped into six geopolitical zones, each with unique cultural, economic, and political characteristics.

1. North Central

Includes: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau
Governors in this region manage culturally diverse populations and frequently focus on agriculture, security, and mineral resources.

2. North East

Includes: Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe
Governors in this zone often deal with security challenges, especially in Borno and Yobe, alongside development goals.

3. North West

Includes: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara
This zone is politically significant, with large populations and strong electoral influence.

4. South East

Includes: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo
Governors focus on business development, trade, education, and urban infrastructure.

5. South South

Includes: Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers
Known as the oil-producing region, leaders here manage resource-dependent economies with high development expectations.

6. South West

Includes: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo
Governors oversee fast-growing economies, especially Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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The Role of Governors in National Development

Governors play crucial roles in Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape. Some of their responsibilities include:

1. Security

Governors are referred to as “Chief Security Officers” of their states. While policing is federally controlled, governors influence local security strategies through community policing initiatives, security votes, and collaboration with federal agencies.

2. Education

They manage:

• State universities
• Secondary and primary schools
• Educational policies
• Teacher recruitment and salaries

States differ widely in educational standards based on government policies.

3. Healthcare

Governors oversee:

• State hospitals
• Primary healthcare centers
• Health insurance schemes
• Immunization and maternal care programs

4. Economic Development

Governors facilitate investment, create job opportunities, build infrastructure, and manage state budgets.

5. Infrastructure

They build and maintain:

• State roads
• Housing projects
• Water and sanitation systems
• Transport networks

6. Legislation

Governors sign bills passed by the State House of Assembly into law, shaping local governance.

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Political Diversity Among Governors

Nigeria’s political environment is highly dynamic. Different governors come from various political parties such as:

• APC
• PDP
• Labour Party
• APGA

This creates a multi-party system where states have varied development strategies depending on the political ideology and priorities of the ruling party.

Some states are strongholds of certain parties, while others frequently switch parties depending on election outcomes.

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Why Updated Lists Matter

Knowing the current list of governors is essential due to:

1. Civic engagement – Citizens know who is responsible for state policies.
2. Education – Students need accurate facts for assignments and exams.
3. Media reporting – Journalists rely on updated official information.
4. Business decisions – Investors assess stability and leadership before entering a state.
5. Political analysis – Experts need current data for accurate predictions and commentary.

Because governors can change due to elections or court rulings, lists must be updated regularly.

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Conclusion

The 36 states and their governors form the backbone of Nigeria’s federal democratic system. Each governor plays a vital role in shaping the development, stability, and progress of their respective states. As Nigeria continues to grow and face new challenges, the leadership of these governors will remain critical to the nation’s future.

This updated list highlights the current leaders, the political diversity across the nation, and the importance of each governor’s role within the broader national framework.