Capital of Niger State — Minna

The territory now known as Niger State has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of human settlement along the Niger and Kaduna river valleys dating back to the Iron Age. The region sits at a natural crossroads between the Saharan trade routes of the north, the forest kingdoms of the south, and the great Niger River corridor running through its heart — a geography tha

First governor: Colonel Usman Faruk

Read full Niger State history →

The economy is largely driven by agriculture, fishing, and hydroelectric power generation. Major assets include the Kainji Dam and Shiroro Dam, which contribute significantly to Nigeria’s electricity supply. Farming activities include rice, maize, yams, and sugarcane production.

As capital, Minna concentrates civil service employment and administrative services that support the wider Niger economy.

Minna is the political and administrative centre of Niger State in Nigeria’s North Central zone. Government House, the State House of Assembly and core ministries are based here.

Niger State, known as “The Power State”, relies on Minna as its primary seat of government.

For census totals, growth rates and LGA breakdowns, use the dedicated Niger population page — this capital page focuses on the seat of government, not state-wide demographics.