How Many Towns in Nigeria?

Nigeria is one of the most populous countries in Africa, with a population of over 200 million people. The country is made up of 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory. Nigeria is also blessed with a diverse culture and a rich history. As a result, it is not uncommon to wonder how many towns are in Nigeria. In this article, we will explore the number of towns in Nigeria and some other interesting facts about the country.

What is a Town?

Before we dive into the number of towns in Nigeria, it is essential to understand what a town is. A town is a human settlement that is larger than a village but smaller than a city. It is characterized by a population that engages mostly in non-agricultural activities. Although the classification of a town varies from country to country, the essential characteristic is the size of the population and the type of economic activities that take place.

How Many Towns are in Nigeria?

Nigeria has a total of 9,572 towns, according to recent statistics. The number of towns in Nigeria is a reflection of the country's population and size. Nigeria is the seventh-largest country in the world, with a landmass of 923,768 square kilometers. As a result, the country has a significant number of towns spread across its 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory.

How are Towns in Nigeria Classified?

Towns in Nigeria are classified based on their population size and level of development. The National Population Commission of Nigeria classifies towns into six categories based on their population size. The categories are:

Mega Cities: This refers to cities with a population of over ten million people. Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria, is an example of a mega city.
Major Cities: Cities with a population between one and ten million people fall under this category. Examples of major cities in Nigeria include Abuja, Kano, and Ibadan.
Medium-Sized Cities: These are cities with a population between 500,000 and one million people. Examples of medium-sized cities in Nigeria include Aba, Enugu, and Ilorin.
Small-Sized Cities: These are cities with a population between 100,000 and 500,000 people. Examples of small-sized cities in Nigeria include Awka, Owo, and Ijebu-Ode.
Towns: A town is a settlement with a population between 20,000 and 100,000 people. Nigeria has over 9,500 towns.
Villages: A village is a small settlement with a population of fewer than 20,000 people.

What are Some of the Most Populous Towns in Nigeria?

Nigeria is a diverse country with a significant number of towns. Some of the most populous towns in Nigeria include:

Onitsha: Onitsha is a town located in Anambra State, with a population of over 7 million people.
Aba: Aba is a commercial town located in Abia State, with a population of over 5 million people.
Nnewi: Nnewi is a town located in Anambra State, with a population of over 3 million people.
Asaba: Asaba is the capital city of Delta State, with a population of over 1 million people.
Umuahia: Umuahia is the capital city of Abia State, with a population of over 1 million people.

Conclusion

Nigeria has a significant number of towns spread across its 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory. The number of towns in Nigeria is a reflection of the country's population and size. It is essential to note that the number of towns in Nigeria continues to grow as the population increases. The National Population Commission estimates that Nigeria's population will reach 264 million by 2030. Therefore, it is safe to assume that the number of towns in Nigeria will also increase as a result.

FAQs

What is the difference between a town and a city?
A town is a human settlement that is larger than a village but smaller than a city. A city is a large human settlement that is the center of economic and cultural activities.
What is the most populous city in Nigeria?
Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria, with a population of over 21 million people.
How many states are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has 36 states and one Federal Capital Territory.
What is the official language of Nigeria?
English is the official language of Nigeria, although there are over 250 other languages spoken in the country.
What is the population of Nigeria?
Nigeria has a population of over 200 million people, making it the seventh-most populous country in the world.