Makurdi Population 2026
Makurdi has a population of 390,000, making it the #39 biggest city in 🇳🇬 Nigeria, located in Benue State. Roughly 0.2% of Nigeria's population lives here. It is about 39× smaller than Lagos, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
390,000
Rank in Nigeria
#39
Coordinates
7.73°N, 8.52°E
~92 m elevation · Africa/Lagos
Distance to capital (Abuja)
186 km
116 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Benue State
| City | Population | Rank in Nigeria |
|---|---|---|
| Gboko | 365,000 | #44 |
| Katsina-Ala | 36,722 | #179 |
| Takum | 24,822 | #200 |
| Otukpa | 21,686 | #213 |
| Igbor | 17,666 | #235 |
Cities near Makurdi
FAQ
What is the population of Makurdi?
Makurdi has a population of 390,000 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #39 biggest city in Nigeria.
What region is Makurdi in?
Makurdi is located in Benue State, Nigeria.
Is Makurdi the capital of Nigeria?
No, the capital of Nigeria is Abuja, about 186 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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