List of Nigeria States That Share International Borders With Other Countries

Nigeria is not only rich in culture, people, and natural resources, it also plays a major role in regional integration in West and Central Africa. One fascinating geographical fact about the country is that several Nigerian states share international borders with neighboring countries such as Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡, Cameroon 馃嚚馃嚥, Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜, and Chad 馃嚬馃嚛.

These border states are important for trade, tourism, security, and cultural exchange, as many communities on both sides of the borders share similar languages and traditions.

Below is a clear and well-structured list of Nigeria states that share international borders with other countries, grouped by geopolitical zones.


North-East Nigeria Border States

Adamawa State
Adamawa State is located in the North-East region of Nigeria. It shares an international border with Cameroon 馃嚚馃嚥, making it a key route for cross-border trade and movement.

Borno State
Borno State is one of Nigeria鈥檚 most strategic border states. It shares borders with three countries:

  • Cameroon 馃嚚馃嚥
  • Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜
  • Chad 馃嚬馃嚛

This makes Borno one of the most internationally connected states in Nigeria.

Taraba State
Taraba State, also in the North-East, shares an international boundary with Cameroon 馃嚚馃嚥. The border region is known for its mountains and rich agricultural activity.

Yobe State
Yobe State shares an international border with Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜, strengthening Nigeria鈥檚 relationship with its northern neighbor.


North-West Nigeria Border States

Jigawa State
Jigawa State is a North-West state that shares a border with Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜, supporting trade and cultural ties.

Katsina State
Katsina State also borders Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜 and is known for its historic trade routes.

Kebbi State
Kebbi State shares international borders with:

  • Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜
  • Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡

This makes it one of the few Nigerian states bordering two countries.

Sokoto State
Sokoto State shares borders with:

  • Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜
  • Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡

It is a major hub for cross-border commerce in the North-West.

Zamfara State
Zamfara State shares an international border with Niger Republic 馃嚦馃嚜, further strengthening northern trade connections.


North-Central Nigeria Border States

Benue State
Benue State, located in the North-Central region, shares a border with Cameroon 馃嚚馃嚥. It plays a role in agricultural exports across the border.

Kwara State
Kwara State shares an international boundary with Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡, especially around the western axis of the state.

Niger State
Niger State also borders Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡, making it one of the largest land-border states in Nigeria.


South-South Nigeria Border States

Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom State shares an international border with Cameroon 馃嚚馃嚥, particularly through coastal and maritime boundaries.

Cross River State
Cross River State is another South-South state that shares a border with Cameroon 馃嚚馃嚥. The state is popular for tourism and cross-border cultural exchanges.


South-West Nigeria Border States

Lagos State
Nigeria鈥檚 commercial capital, Lagos State, shares an international border with Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡, making it one of the busiest border regions in West Africa.

Ogun State
Ogun State also shares a border with Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡, with several recognized border towns facilitating trade.

Oyo State
Oyo State is another South-West state that shares an international border with Benin Republic 馃嚙馃嚡.


Why These Border States Matter

States that share international borders are crucial for:

  • Regional trade and commerce
  • Tourism and cultural exchange
  • Diplomatic and economic cooperation
  • Security and immigration control

They serve as gateways between Nigeria and its neighbors, strengthening regional unity across West and Central Africa.


Nigeria has 17 states that share international borders with neighboring countries. These states play a vital role in the country鈥檚 economic growth, cultural exchange, and regional influence. Understanding Nigeria鈥檚 border states helps us better appreciate the country鈥檚 strategic position in Africa.