When wealth is mentioned in Nigeria, it’s usually in terms of oil, active local markets, and various industries. However, wealth encompasses more than highlights. Beyond those raw figures are cities with cultures, landmarks, and tourist attractions. The wealthiest states in Nigeria are not just leading in GDP but also offering experiences for travelers, adventurers, and part-time tourism.
Top 10 Richest States in Nigeria
1. Lagos State
2. Rivers State
3. Akwa Ibom State
4. Imo State
5. Delta State
6. Anambra State
7. Ondo State
8. Ogun State
9. Bayelsa State
10. Niger State
Richest States in Nigeria
Let’s consider the top 10 richest states in Nigeria and explore tourism’s role in their wealth creation.
1. Lagos State
If you have been to Nigeria, you have either landed in Lagos or you have heard some crazy stories about it. Lagos is loud, hasty, and never sleeps. But more than traffic and business, there is culture and tourism.
Lagos’ GDP is over ₦41 trillion, which is miles ahead of every other state. It is the hub of Nigeria’s financial, technology, and entertainment sectors. The headquarters of major banks, multinationals, and the Nigerian Stock Exchange, all have their headquarters in Lagos.
Tourism is at the forefront of Lagos’ economy. Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery, and Freedom Park are just a few examples of places that usher thousands of tourists to Lagos every year. People do not just visit to become temporary citizens, but see, eat, party, and explore. Lagos plays host to Nollywood events, concerts, beach festivals, and street food. Circulation is ensured because anything spent is pumped back into the economy.
Slogan: Centre of Excellence
Region: South West
2. Rivers State
Rivers State, mainly Port Harcourt, is about oil. The state has a GDP nearing ₦8 trillion, it is arguably at the forefront of Nigerian oil and gas.
There is more to Rivers than pipelines and refineries. Port Harcourt has started its tourism growth. The highlighting of Bonny Island, Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, and CARNIRIV (Rivers Carnival) showcases the area’s richness in culture and natural tourism. Add to that the zoo, beaches, and new shopping malls attracting not just tourists but business travelers;
Rivers State is softly starting to add hospitality and leisure to its wealth equation, along with its energy-production labels, because that helps to circulate the cash.
Slogan: Treasure Base of the Nation
Region: South South
3. Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom shares many resources, oil and gas alike, much like Rivers. The GDP of Akwa Ibom generates over ₦7.7 trillion, and as you can see, the roads are well paved, the stadium is modern, and the tourism industry is growing.
Also, it has a huge beach, Ibeno Beach, which happens to be one of the longest in West Africa. The Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, along with a shopping mall, has a cinema and hospitality. There is also the Bridge of No Return heritage site, which links to the operators of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and cultural tourists alike— it’s more than just a history buff’s hotspot.
Akwa Ibom is clean and quiet; aside from that, culturally it has an enviable status, a combination of both leisure and business tourism, including conferences, workshops, retreats, and leisure as well.
Slogan: Land of Promise
Region: South South
4. Imo State
Imo is a prime example where, for sure, there is not only money made from oil; if the GDP of ± ₦7.6 trillion generated here does not convince you that wealth is not only reflected in oil, I am surprised. Yes, Imo has over 150 oil wells, but the state is about food production, active trade in raw and finished goods, and even more commerce brought on through industries, such as hospitality. Owerri, the capital, is still known for its hotels and hospitality economy.
Imo has culture and relaxation. Visitors are attracted to Imo and its rolling hills, traditional festivals, cultural events, and places like Oguta Lake, Ngwu Spring, and the New Yam festival, as it is an important festival in Igbo culture.
The state government, to a point, has risen to the occasion and works to improve road infrastructure and education systems, adding to the thought of attracting people to come and spend money in the state, whether you are a state citizen or a visitor.
Slogan: Eastern Heartland
Resort: South East
5. Delta State
Delta State has a GDP of over ₦6 trillion, making it one of the richest oil-producing states in the Niger Delta. Delta’s economy is diverse in agriculture, fisheries, and natural resources such as kaolin, limestone, etc.
Delta’s tourism, is mainly due to historical, cultural, and natural importance, from the colonial Mungo Park House, River Ethiope, to Nelson Mandela Garden, Warri Township Stadium, and the Araya Bible Site, Delta has several less major, but worth significant sites to have some great experiences as a tourist.
Warri, the one major urban center, is a hot spot for culture, where nightlife is flourishing and hospitality is booming. More tourists mean more provision of jobs, more small businesses, which leads to higher tax revenue, which is subsequently fed back into Delta’s economy.
Slogan: The Finger of God (formerly known as The Big Heart)
Region: South South
6. Anambra State
Anambra State is not only rich but also hardworking. The GDP of Anambra is above ₦5 trillion, further aided by thriving markets, manufacturing, and trading. The two main urban centers are Onitsha and Nnewi.
Onitsha Main Market is the largest Market in Africa by geographical size, and Nnewi is still one of the largest auto parts manufacturing areas in Nigeria.
However, tourism is also a big contributor. There are many heritage sites in Anambra to visit— Ogbunike Caves, Agulu Lake, Butu Lake, Nri Kingdom, and Igbo-Ukwu Museum. All of them promote tourism, and many of the events tourists can partake in, like the New Yam Festival, add more value for the tourists and the local businesses, add direct revenue, and increase internal revenue.
Slogan: Light of the Nation
Region: South East
7. Richest States in Nigeria: Ondo State
Ondo’s economy (GDP about ₦5.1 Trillion) is largely reliant on local agriculture – cocoa, palm oil, and timber are primary local products. There are quite a lot of bitumen products as well, which are currently being explored.
Tourism involves both culture and nature. There are cultural festivals like Igogo Festival and Mare Festival, which serve as regional draws to get visitors from all over Nigeria and the world as a whole. Not to mention the incredible experience from the hiking and photography at Idanre Hills, or traveling through its natural beauty.
These tourism areas are not just for leisure, as they are not entirely. They generate income for communities, fueling hotels and food services markets, and providing temporary jobs. Some other tourist attractions are Ebomi Lake, Araromi Beach, Owo Museum, Ikogodi Warm Springs, and Olumo Rock Tourist Centre, among others.
Slogan: Sunshine State
Region: South West
8. Ogun State
Ogun is many recognized as the industrial engine of Nigeria after Lagos. The state is approximately ₦5 trillion in GDP, with manufacturing, mining, and agriculture at the heart of its economy. The Lagos–Ibadan corridor has numerous large, active factories, and many new factories are being established.
Ogun is not only a business destination for some visitors, but it also has many major attractions, like Olumo Rock, Owu Waterfall, Yemoji Natural Pool, and the Centenary Hall in Abeokuta. Families visit places like Hi–Impact Planet Amusement Park with amusement and leisure in mind.
Ogun is also an easy weekend getaway from Lagos, and generates billions for communities from tourism, in addition to significant industry income.
Slogan: Gateway State
Region: South West
9. Bayelsa State
Bayelsa State has a crude GDP of more than ₦4 trillion, with the potential resources of oil and natural gas deposits. It is also one of the states with a low population share in Nigeria, so this may create a similarly different calculative economic dynamic in their economy.
One segment of Bayelsa’s tourism visitor segments is eco-tourism and heritage tourism. The original site of Oloibiri, which is recognized as the first oil well in Nigeria, is a national tourism focal point. Edumanom Forest Reserve and Aridolf Resort Wellness and Spa, as well as Kontiki Amusement Park, offer secluded opportunities on their facilities and offer leisure opportunities for visitors.
Bayelsa is not racing ahead in tourism, but is advancing. If transport is improved for tourism in Bayelsa and there is improved community resource advancement, acceptable incomes should derive from their natural resources and activities, thus value is extracted from Bayelsa’s natural resources.
Slogan: The Glory of all Lands
Region: South South
10. Richest States in Nigeria: Niger State
Niger State is near the end, with an approximate GDP of ₦4.58 trillion. The might of the state balances agriculture and energy production, with Kainji Dam & Shiroro Dam located in this state.
Natural tourism also exists in Niger, such as Gurara Waterfalls, Murtala Park, Magic Land, and the now global sensation, Crush Rock, Mpape. This site has developed into a scenic tourist site since photographers identified it during the COVID-19 (quarantine) period in 2020.
There is still a long way to go in developing its landscapes and eco-tourism, but signs have been positive, and as we have more infrastructure and marketing in the area, tourism can have a larger part of the economic picture.
Slogan: The Power State
Region: North Central
Conclusion.
It can be easy to consider GDP and oil/industry, but tourism plays a quietly active role in creating economic growth in Nigeria. Whether it is sporting or cultural festivals, landmarks, natural reserves, or incredible nightlife, these states are fantastic for attracting not only investment but also visitors.
For other states looking at how to create a sustainable revenue base, tourism provides an opportunity for them to be able to distribute wealth, develop jobs, and promote local culture. So, next time you are planning on going away for a trip, remember, you are not only helping yourself to some time to relax, but you are also contributing to the economic engine of one of Nigeria’s richest states.
