Top 10 Richest States in Nigeria: 2026 Economic Leaderboard
Nigeria’s economic landscape has undergone a massive transformation in 2026. While oil remain a factor, the real drivers of state wealth are now technology hubs, agricultural value chains, and manufacturing.
The following ranking is based on a weighted index of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows.
| Rank | State | Main Economic Driver | GDP Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lagos State | Finance, Tech & Trade | Highest IGR |
| 2 | Rivers State | Oil, Gas & Logistics | Major Hydrocarbon Hub |
| 3 | Akwa Ibom State | Crude Oil & Tourism | Top Oil Producer |
| 4 | Delta State | Agriculture & Oil | High Per Capita Income |
| 5 | Oyo State | Agribusiness & Education | Rising Industrial Zone |
| 6 | Ogun State | Manufacturing & Industry | Industrial Capital |
| 7 | Kano State | Commerce & Agriculture | Northern Trade Hub |
| 8 | Edo State | Energy & Cement | Strong FDI Inflow |
| 9 | Kaduna State | Bio-Economy & Transport | Digital Transformation |
| 10 | Anambra State | Trade & Industrialization | High Retail Density |
Analyzing the Top 3 Wealthiest States
1. Lagos State: The $100 Billion Economy
Lagos remains the richest state in Nigeria by a significant margin. In 2026, the successful integration of the Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Blue/Red Rail lines has decoupled its economy from federal allocations. Lagos generates more IGR than 30 other Nigerian states combined.
2. Rivers State: The Energy Powerhouse
Rivers State holds its position as the second wealthiest due to its massive infrastructure projects in Port Harcourt and the continued dominance of the Onne Port. It is the heart of Nigeria's oil and gas logistics.
3. Akwa Ibom State: Infrastructure Excellence
Ranked 3rd, Akwa Ibom has leveraged its position as the highest oil-producing state to build a world-class aviation hub (Ibom Air) and deep-sea port facilities, making it a tourism and business destination in 2026.