How Many Senators in Nigeria? (Full Breakdown for 2026)
If you are looking for the quick answer: There are exactly 109 senators in the Nigerian Senate.
As of 2026, the Senate—often referred to as the "Red Chamber"—remains the upper house of Nigeria's bicameral legislature, the National Assembly. But how exactly is this number reached, and how are these seats distributed across the country?
Breakdown of the 109 Senatorial Seats
The composition of the Nigerian Senate is strictly defined by the 1999 Constitution to ensure equal representation for every part of the federation.
The 109 seats are calculated as follows:
3 Senators per State: Nigeria has 36 states. Each state is divided into three senatorial districts.
1 Senator for the FCT: The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) is represented by a single senator.
Total: 108 + 1 = 109 Senators.
Senate Leadership in 2026
The 10th National Assembly (2023–2027) is currently in session. The Senate is led by presiding officers elected from among the members.
| Position | Current Holder (2026) | Political Party |
|---|---|---|
| Senate President | Sen. Godswill Akpabio | APC |
| Deputy Senate President | Sen. Barau Jibrin | APC |
| Senate Majority Leader | Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele | APC |
| Senate Minority Leader | Sen. Abba Patrick Moro | PDP |
Distribution by Geopolitical Zone
While every state has an equal number of senators (3), the geopolitical zones have different total counts based on the number of states within them:
North-West: 21 Senators (7 States)
North-Central: 19 Senators (6 States + FCT)
North-East: 18 Senators (6 States)
South-West: 18 Senators (6 States)
South-South: 18 Senators (6 States)
South-East: 15 Senators (5 States)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is a Senator's term in Nigeria?
Senators are elected for a four-year term. Unlike the President, there are no term limits for senators; they can be re-elected as many times as their constituents desire.
What are the requirements to become a Senator?
According to the Constitution, a candidate must:
Be a citizen of Nigeria.
Be at least 35 years of age.
Be educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.
Be a member of a political party and be sponsored by that party.
Is the Senate the same as the House of Representatives?
No. The Senate is the Upper Chamber (109 members), while the House of Representatives is the Lower Chamber, consisting of 360 members based on population. Together, they form the National Assembly.
