About Ibadan
Ibadan is a large city located in Nigeria, in the Oyo State region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Ibadan is approximately 2,550,593 residents, making it the third largest city in Nigeria.
Globally, Ibadan ranks #595 among the world's most populated cities. With over 1 million residents, Ibadan plays an important role as an economic and cultural center in Nigeria.
It is one of the largest cities by population in Nigeria with a population of 4.3 million within its metropolitan area. At 3,080 square kilometres it is the country's largest city by land area. At the time of Nigeria's independence in 1960, Ibadan was the largest and most populous city in the country, and the second-most populous in Africa behind Cairo. Ibadan is ranked one of the fastest-growing cities in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the UN Human Settlements Program (2022). It is also ranked third in Nigeria and fifth in West Africa in the tech startups index. Ibadan joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016. During the 19th century, Ibadan was the capital of the Ibadan Republic,.
Ibadan City Statistics
| City | Ibadan |
| Country |  Nigeria |
| Population | 2,550,593 |
| Global Rank | #595 |
| Rank in Nigeria | #3 of 702 cities |
| City Category | large city |
| Region | Oyo State |
| Latitude | 7.3775 |
| Longitude | 3.9058 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Ibadan Overview
Ibadan is a large city in Nigeria, situated in the Oyo State area. With a population of 2,550,593 people, it represents approximately 13% of the total urban population in Nigeria.
Ibadan serves as an important economic and cultural center in Nigeria. The city offers a mix of historical landmarks, modern infrastructure, and diverse neighborhoods that attract both residents and visitors.
Population Comparison
To put Ibadan's population of 2,550,593 into perspective:
- Ibadan has approximately 2.6 million residents.
- This makes it comparable in size to cities like Paris or Rome.
- It ranks #3 among all cities in Nigeria.
Where is Ibadan Located?
Ibadan is located in Nigeria, in the Oyo State region, at coordinates 7.3775° latitude and 3.9058° longitude. Located near the equator, Ibadan experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in Nigeria
Largest Cities in Nigeria
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kano | 4,348,000 |
| 4 | Benin City | 1,780,000 |
| 5 | Abuja | 1,693,400 |
| 6 | Oshodi-Isolo | 1,621,789 |
| 7 | Onitsha | 1,483,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ibadan?
The population of Ibadan is approximately 2,550,593 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Ibadan located?
Ibadan is located in Nigeria at approximately 7.3775° latitude and 3.9058° longitude.
Is Ibadan one of the largest cities in Nigeria?
With a population of 2,550,593, Ibadan is one of the major urban areas in Nigeria. It ranks #3 out of 702 cities in the country.
