South West Nigeria is one of the six geopolitical zones in the country. The region is located in the western part of Nigeria and is widely known for its rich cultural heritage, strong commercial activities, and numerous educational institutions.
This article presents a complete list of states in South West Nigeria, along with important details such as their dates of creation, population estimates, postal codes, and land area. It also covers key aspects of the region, including climate, vegetation, major occupations, and popular local foods.
| South West States |
|---|
| 1. Lagos State 2. Oyo State 3. Ogun State 4. Osun State 5. Ondo State 6. Ekiti State |
How Many States Are in South West Nigeria?
There are six (6) states that make up the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.The table below highlights important details about each South West state in Nigeria.
| State | Capital | Land Area (km²) | Population (Est.) | Date of Creation | Postal Code | Notable Features |
| Lagos | Ikeja | 3,577 | ~23.5 million | May 27, 1967 | 100001 | Nigeria’s commercial hub and major port city |
| Ogun | Abeokuta | 16,762 | ~8.2 million | Feb 3, 1976 | 110001 | Home of Olumo Rock; rich cultural heritage |
| Oyo | Ibadan | 27,249 | ~7.8 million | Feb 3, 1976 | 200001 | Hosts Nigeria’s oldest university (UI) |
| Osun | Osogbo | 9,251 | ~4.2 million | Aug 27, 1991 | 230001 | Famous for the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove |
| Ondo | Akure | 14,788.72 | ~5.3 million | Feb 3, 1976 | 340001 | Known as the “Sunshine State”; major cocoa producer |
| Ekiti | Ado-Ekiti | 5,887.89 | ~2.4 million | Oct 1, 1996 | 360001 | Known for education and hilly terrain |
South-West Nigeria: Overview, Population, and Key Facts
The South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria is one of the country’s six geopolitical regions. It comprises six states, as listed in the table above. The region covers a total land area of approximately 77,516.61 square kilometres and had an estimated population of about 28 million people, according to the 2006 Nigerian national census.
South-West Nigeria is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the Republic of Benin to the west, the South-South geopolitical zone to the east, and the North-Central zone to the north. Its strategic location contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
Local Government Areas in South-West Nigeria
The South-West region consists of 138 Local Government Areas (LGAs), distributed across the six states as follows:
| State | Number of Local Government Areas (LGAs) |
| Lagos State | 20 |
| Ekiti State | 16 |
| Osun State | 30 |
| Ondo State | 18 |
| Ogun State | 20 |
| Oyo State | 33 |
| Total | 137 LGAs |
Ethnic Groups in South-West Nigeria
The dominant ethnic group in South-West Nigeria is the Yoruba, which is why the region is commonly referred to as Yorubaland. Nevertheless, several minority ethnic groups also reside across the zone, adding to its cultural diversity.
Land Area and Economic Importance
Among the six South-West states, Oyo State has the largest land area, measuring 27,249 square kilometres, while Lagos State is the smallest, with approximately 3,577 square kilometres. Despite its small size, Lagos State is the most populous and economically active state in Nigeria and one of the busiest urban centres in West Africa.
The South-West remains one of the fastest-developing regions in Nigeria. Lagos State, in particular, functions as the nation’s primary commercial hub and hosts some of Nigeria’s busiest seaports, playing a crucial role in national and regional economic growth.
Climate
The climate of South-West Nigeria is tropical, with two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season.
- The rainy season begins in April and ends in November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring between June and October. Annual rainfall ranges from 1300 to 2500 mm.
- The dry season starts in November and lasts until April, characterized by warm to hot temperatures throughout the year.
On average, the region records a temperature of around 32°C. Humidity levels are generally high, which contributes to the cooling effect often felt despite the warm weather.
Vegetation
South-West Nigeria is largely covered by tropical rainforest, featuring different vegetation zones such as lowland forest, mangrove swamps, derived savannah (notably in Oyo State), and stretches of grassland. Some dominant tree species include Omo, Oluwa, Sapele, and others.
The vegetation supports the growth of several important crops such as cassava, maize, yam, and oil palm. The region is also a major producer of cocoa, especially in states like Ondo and Osun.
Major Occupation
On average, agriculture is the main occupation in most of the states within the zone, particularly in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, and parts of Kwara State. Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun are rapidly developing into major commercial hubs, although there are still significant areas in Oyo and Ogun where farming activities take place on a large scale.
Foods in the South-West States of Nigeria
The South-West region of Nigeria offers a rich variety of delicious traditional foods. Popular staples include amala, eba (garri), yam, and different types of cassava-based meals. Among these, amala stands out as one of the most iconic Yoruba dishes.
Amala is a dark-colored swallow usually enjoyed with ewedu soup, one of the major soups in Yoruba cuisine. It is often paired with gbegiri, a rich bean soup that adds extra flavor. These meals are commonly found in local mama-put restaurants, where they are prepared using traditional methods. Personally, the combination of amala and ewedu is one of my favorites.
Another popular meal is Ewa Agoyin, a specially prepared beans dish served with Agege bread. It is known for providing quick energy, especially for people who do physically demanding jobs such as bricklaying and other forms of manual labor.
These are just a few examples of the well-loved foods from the South-West. Exploring local kitchens and markets will reveal even more delicious dishes from the region.
Top Higher Institutions In South West
The South-West zone is home to several prominent higher institutions in Nigeria. Yaba College of Technology in Lagos is recognized as the first higher institution established in the country. The region also hosts the University of Ibadan (UI), founded in 1948, which is Nigeria’s first university.
Additionally, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) remains one of the nation’s most prestigious and competitive universities.
Other notable institutions include Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), both of which have produced many distinguished graduates.
What Have You Learned So Far?
Which Part of Nigeria Is the South West?
- The South West is located in the south-western part of Nigeria and is predominantly inhabited by the Yoruba people.
Where Is the South West Located in Nigeria?
- The South West region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and shares boundaries with Kwara State, Kogi State, Edo State, and the South-South geopolitical zone.
How Many States Are in South West Nigeria?
- There are six (6) states in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
What Are the South West States in Nigeria?
- Lagos State
- Ogun State
- Oyo State
- Osun State
- Ondo State
- Ekiti State
Which Language Is Spoken in South West Nigeria?
- The dominant language spoken in the South West is Yoruba. The people of this region trace their ancestry to the Oduduwa heritage.
What Is the Land Area of South West Nigeria?
- The South West region covers a total land area of approximately 77,516.61 square kilometres (km²).
This guide is useful for students, researchers, teachers, and anyone seeking accurate and up-to-date information about the South West region of Nigeria.
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