Imo State has emerged as the fourth-largest state economy in Nigeria, with a Gross Domestic Product, GDP, of approximately ₦7.68 trillion, according to data published by BudgIT.
The state ranks behind Lagos, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, which recorded GDP figures of about ₦41.17 trillion, ₦7.96 trillion and ₦7.77 trillion respectively.
Imo’s position places it ahead of other major oil-producing and economically active states, including Delta, which ranked fifth with a GDP of approximately ₦6.19 trillion.
Anambra ranked sixth with about ₦5.14 trillion, while Edo State occupied the 15th position with a GDP of approximately ₦3.99 trillion.
Other states ahead of Edo included Ondo, Ogun, Bayelsa, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, Kano and Cross River.
According to BudgIT, economic output varies significantly across Nigeria’s states and is influenced by factors including commerce, industry and natural resources.
Lagos derives much of its economic strength from its position as Nigeria’s commercial and financial hub, while Rivers and Akwa Ibom benefit significantly from oil, gas and petroleum-related activities.
Imo, meanwhile, has significant natural gas resources and has increasingly pursued economic diversification and investment initiatives across different sectors.
The state recently hosted an economic summit aimed at attracting investors and showcasing investment opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
The state government has also highlighted investments in sectors including banking, oil and gas as part of efforts to expand the state’s economic base.
For Edo State, its position among the country’s larger state economies reflects the contribution of sectors including commerce, agriculture, manufacturing, services and its strategic location in the South-South region.
The ranking underscores the significant economic differences among Nigeria’s states and highlights the role of natural resources, private-sector activity, investment and economic diversification in shaping state-level output.
BudgIT’s GDP data places Imo among Nigeria’s leading state economies, while Edo remains within the upper half of the 36-state ranking.
