Top 5 Richest Oil Producing States in Nigeria (2024)

There are certain rich states in Nigeria that produces oil. These states make up the Niger-Delta region. Since the country is blessed with so many mineral resources, its normal that oil and gas would be the main resource keeping and feeding the nation.

With a population of over 220 million people, there is a growing need for Nigeria to diversify to other sectors like Agriculture or Tourism or at least explore other resources rather than oil. This is because, the increasing price of this oil is really affecting the economy of the country.

States that have crude oil in Nigeria and mostly Niger-Delta states. They are 9 in number and are mostly located in the south-south geopolitical zone or region of the country. In this post we look at the highest oil producing states in Nigeria today.

5 RICHEST OIL PRODUCING STATES IN NIGERIA (2024)

Here are the 5 richest oil producing states in Nigeria today:

AKWA-IBOM STATE

Akwa- Ibom is the richest oil producing state in Nigeria currently and the state that receives the highest allocation in the country. Located in the southern part of Nigeria, Akwa-Ibom is home to about 5.5 million people.

Akwa Ibom’s capital is Uyo which has been touted as one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria, attracting a huge number of tourists on a yearly basis. Aside from oil, some natural resources found in Akwa-Ibom state include: clay, coal, silver nitrate, limestone, glass sand and salt.

With their history and rich cultural heritage, some places of attraction include: Oron Museum, Ibeno Sand beach and the Mary Slessor House. Akwa- Ibom is split into 31 local government areas which are dominated by these three ethnic groups, Oron, Annang and Ibibio.

RIVERS STATE

Rivers state is also one of the largest oil producing states in the country. In fact, most of the major oil and gas companies are located there. Due to its rich settings, it is seen as one of the most populous states in Nigeria just like Lagos where businesses are done.

Rivers state capital is Port-Harcourt and it shares its borders with the following oil producing states: Imo, Anambra, Abia, Bayelsa and Delta States.

There are 23 local government areas in Rivers state currently. Most of the major ethnic groups in Rivers state include: Kalabari, Okrika, Ogoni, Ikwerre, Ibani and Opobo.

DELTA STATE

Delta state is one of the highest oil producing states as well as one of the richest states in Nigeria. Delta is made up of 25 local government areas. The state is also in the Niger-Delta region.

Although, Warri is the major area of Delta State where you find most petroleum refineries in Nigeria, Asaba is recognised as the capital of Delta state. The major ethnic groups in Delta State include: The Urhobos, Isokos and the Itsekiris.

BAYELSA STATE

Bayelsa state was created in 1996. It is also among the top richest oil producing states known to be responsible for producing about 60% of Nigeria’s resources. The capital of Bayelsa state is Yenagoa. This four major ethnic groups are predominant in the state: Ogbia, Nembe, Izon and Epie- Atissa. Also note that crude oil was founded in Oloibiri, Bayelsa state.

CROSS RIVER STATE

The 5th richest oil producing state in the country is Cross River state. The capital is Calabar and it shares a boundary with Cameroon.

While the above are the highest states where oil is gotten from, here are some of the states that make up the Niger-Delta region: Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Ondo.

The following ethnic groups are predominant in the states above: Ijaws, Itsekiris, Urhobos, Isokos, Kalabari, Efik, Ibibio, Esan, Igbo, Oron, Annang, Yoruba, Ogoja and Ukwuani.