Nasarawa

“Home of Solid Minerals”

Capital Lafia

Zone North Central

LGAs 13

Population 2,800,000

2026 Budget ₦545.2B

🏠 13 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Nasarawa

Nasarawa State is located in North-Central Nigeria and was created in 1996. It is known as the "Home of Solid Minerals" due to its vast natural resource deposits including limestone, salt, and baryte. The state shares boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), making it strategically important.

Historical Background
The territory that constitutes present-day Nasarawa State has been inhabited for millennia, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlement dating back to the Iron Age. The region sits at the crossroads of the Middle Belt, where the vast Nigerian plateau descends southwa… Read full history →

Explore Nasarawa State

Quick Facts — Nasarawa

Official name	Nasarawa
Capital city	Lafia
Slogan / Motto	Home of Solid Minerals
Geo-political zone	North Central
Local govt areas	13 LGAs →
Population (census)	2,800,000
Population density	103 / km²
Total area	27,117 km²
First governor	Alh. Aliyu Akwe Doma (first elected governor); Lt. Col. Usman Faruk (first military administrator)
2026 budget	₦545.2B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Nasarawa

What is the capital of Nasarawa State?

The capital city of Nasarawa State is Lafia. It is the seat of the Nasarawa State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.

How many local government areas are in Nasarawa State?

Nasarawa State has 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.

What is the population of Nasarawa State?

According to the National Population Commission, Nasarawa State has a population of 2,800,000. The state capital Lafia is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 103 persons per km².

Which geopolitical zone is Nasarawa State in?

Nasarawa State is in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.

When was Nasarawa State created?

Nasarawa State was created in 1996. The first governor was Alh. Aliyu Akwe Doma (first elected governor); Lt. Col. Usman Faruk (first military administrator). Learn more on the Nasarawa State History page.

What is the budget of Nasarawa State?

The Nasarawa State budget for 2026 is ₦545.2B. See the full breakdown on the Nasarawa State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.

What is the total area of Nasarawa State?

Nasarawa State covers a total land area of 27,117 km². With a population density of 103 people per km².

Government Structure

Nasarawa State is governed by an Executive Governor and a State House of Assembly. The administration focuses on agriculture, infrastructure development, and industrial growth, leveraging its proximity to Abuja for economic expansion.

Current Officials

State Assembly Speaker

APC

Since 2023

👤 View Full Nasarawa Officials Directory →

Economy of Nasarawa

The economy of Nasarawa State is driven by agriculture, solid mineral mining, and trade. Major crops include yam, rice, maize, and sesame. The state is also rich in natural resources such as salt, coal, iron ore, and marble, attracting mining investments.

📄 View Full 2026 Budget (₦545.2B) →

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 2.5 million people. The state is ethnically diverse with major groups including Alago, Eggon, Gwandara, and Koro, alongside other Nigerian ethnic communities.

2,800,000

Population

27,117

Area km²

103

Per km²

LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Nasarawa

Nasarawa State features cultural diversity and scenic landscapes. Popular attractions include Farin Ruwa Falls (one of the highest waterfalls in Nigeria), natural hills, and traditional festivals celebrated across various ethnic groups.

Local Government Areas in Nasarawa

13 LGAs

Known for the Mada, Ninzam and Gwandara people. Gateway to Plateau State. Yam and sorghum farming.

Known for rock salt deposits and the Awe people. Important mineral and agricultural LGA.

Known for the Doma emirate and yam, sorghum farming. Agricultural LGA in south Nasarawa.

Peri-urban satellite of Abuja, one of the fastest-growing LGAs in Nigeria. Home to Nyanya and Mararaba.

Known for brine salt deposits and the Keana people. Agricultural and mineral LGA.

Known for Nasarawa State University and the Keffi emirate. Important educational and commercial LGA.

Known for yam, sorghum and millet farming. Predominantly Gbagyi and Koro people.

Contains Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. Home to state government offices and University of Mkar.

Known for the historic Nasarawa emirate and sorghum, yam farming. Gateway between Nasarawa and Keffi.

Known for yam and cassava farming. The Nasarawa Egon people have strong cultural heritage.

Known for the Obi people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in southern Nasarawa State.

Known for the Toto and Koro people. Agricultural LGA producing yam and sorghum.

Known for the Mada people and yam farming. Important cultural LGA bordering Plateau State.

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🏠 View dedicated LGA pages for all 13 Nasarawa LGAs →

History of Nasarawa State

The territory that constitutes present-day Nasarawa State has been inhabited for millennia, with archaeological evidence suggesting human settlement dating back to the Iron Age. The region sits at the crossroads of the Middle Belt, where the vast Nigerian plateau descends southward into the Benue Ri…

Historical Kingdoms: Keffi emirate, Lafia emirate, Doma emirate, Nasarawa emirate, Toto chieftaincy, Mada chieftaincy

🕐 Read Full History of Nasarawa →

2026 Appropriation

₦545.2B

Total Budget — Nasarawa State

📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Nasarawa State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Nasarawa State under Governor Abdullahi Sule totals ₦545.2B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Nasarawa State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →

At a Glance

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Nasarawa

About Nasarawa 🔗 Share

Explore Nasarawa State

Quick Facts — Nasarawa

Frequently Asked Questions — Nasarawa

Government Structure

Current Officials

Economy of Nasarawa

Demographics & Geography

Culture & Tourism in Nasarawa

Local Government Areas in Nasarawa

History of Nasarawa State

2026 Appropriation

Nasarawa State Budget 2026

Compare State Budgets

About Nasarawa