Niger

Niger State is the largest state in Nigeria by land area, located in the North-Central region. Its capital, Minna, is a major transport hub. The state is named after the Niger River, which flows through its eastern reaches. The state is predominantly Nupe and Hausa-Fulani, with the historic Nupe Kingdom centred at Bida being a major cultural landmark.

The state is home to Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria's first national park, and the Kainji Dam, one of the country's largest hydroelectric projects. The landscape ranges from the savannah plains in the south to the busa hills in the west. Niger State is also a major agricultural producer, with rice, yams, and cassava as main crops.

The dry season (November–April) is the best time to visit. The state is safe and welcoming.

The dry season (November–April) is best. The rainy season (May–October) is heavy. The Bida Durbar (Eid) and the Nupe Day celebrations are major cultural events.

Minna Airport (MXJ) has flights from Abuja. The railway line from Lagos to Kano passes through Minna. Major roads connect Minna to Abuja (2 hrs), Bida (1.5 hrs), and Kontagora (2 hrs).

• Minna — the state capital, home to the Niger State Government House and Minna Airport
• Bida — the historic capital of the Nupe Kingdom, known for its brass and glass crafts
• Kontagora — a town in the north, a centre for the Kontagora Emirate
• Suleja — a historic town on the Abuja border, the seat of the Suleja Emirate
• Mokwa — a town on the road to Jebba
• Zungeru — the birthplace of Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria's first President
• New Bussa — the town nearest to Kainji Dam and Kainji Lake National Park
• Lapai — a town in the south, a Nupe settlement
• Agaie — a Nupe town, the seat of the Agaie Emirate
• Tegina — a town in the north
• Kagara — a town in the north
• Kainji Lake National Park — Nigeria's first national park, with wildlife, boat safaris, and the Kainji Dam

Nupe cuisine is distinctive: Ebube (a porridge), Eko (cornmeal), and fresh fish from the Niger River and Kainji Lake are specialties. Grilled fish from Kainji Lake is a must-try.

The Bida Durbar is a magnificent horse-riding festival. Nupe brass and glass workshops in Bida are famous across Nigeria.

• Wildlife safari at Kainji Lake National Park — Nigeria's first national park, with antelopes, baboons, crocodiles, and hippos
• Boat safari on Kainji Lake — see hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife
• Visit the Nupe brass and glass workshops in Bida — a centuries-old craft tradition
• Tour the Kainji Dam — one of Nigeria's major hydroelectric projects
• Explore Zungeru — the birthplace of Nnamdi Azikiwe