Top 10 Ancient Towns That Evolved Into the Oldest Cities in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country filled with fascinating history, rich culture, and ancient stories. Long before the skyscrapers and bustling roads, there were ancient towns that laid the foundation for some of Nigeria’s biggest cities today. These towns have deep historical roots, and many of them were centres of trade, politics, and religion.

Now, they’ve transformed into modern cities, but their ancient vibes still live on. Let’s go into these ancient places and see how they went from dusty paths to busy streets. Spoiler alert: some of these towns have been around longer than your great-great-grandparents.

Oldest Cities in Nigeria and Their Location

1. Ile-Ife, Osun State

The Cradle of Yoruba Civilization

If you ask any Yoruba person, Ile-Ife is the birthplace of the Yoruba people. It’s the spot where the gods decided, “Hey, this looks like a good place to start civilization!” According to Yoruba mythology, Ile-Ife was where the first humans were created. Today, it’s still a bustling city but holds on tightly to its ancient identity. The ancient town of Ile-Ife was a centre for art, with terracotta and bronze works that even the Louvre would envy.

Fun fact: You might not see gods walking around, but the town is still full of shrines and traditional celebrations.

2. Kano, Kano State

The Oldest City in Northern Nigeria

Want to know which city has been around for ages in Northern Nigeria? It’s Kano. This city was founded around 1000 AD, making it the oldest city in Northern Nigeria. Kano was a major trade centre, especially in the trans-Saharan trade of leather, gold, and other goods. The ancient town was also home to the famous Kano City Walls a historic site in Nigeria, which were built to protect the town from invaders. These walls were like the medieval equivalent of a high-security alarm system.

Fun fact: The walls of ancient Kano were over 14 kilometres long—probably enough to get you a good workout if you ran around them.

3. Benin City, Edo State

The Seat of the Great Benin Kingdom

When you think of empires, you might think of Rome or Egypt, but Benin had its kingdom that ruled large parts of West Africa. Benin City was the heart of the ancient Benin Kingdom, known for its sophisticated art, especially bronze sculptures. This ancient place was a hub of power and culture, and the kings (called Obas) ruled with style—gold, bronze, and all.

Fun fact: If you ever get to visit, keep an eye out for the famous Benin Bronzes, though many are in European museums because they were too beautiful to leave behind. It is one the top 20 biggest cities in Nigeria by Landmass.

4. Ibadan, Oyo State

The City That Started As a War Camp

Ibadan is one of the largest cities in Africa today and the most affordable cities in Nigeria, but did you know it started as a war camp in the 1800s? The city was established by warriors who were tired of fighting and decided to settle down. Now, it’s an urban centre with universities, markets, and all the amenities of a modern city. But its ancient town roots are still visible, especially when you visit places like Mapo Hall or old Oyo National Park.

Fun fact: Ibadan is known for its “brown roofs” because, from a distance, the rust-coloured rooftops stretch as far as the eye can see—like a giant sheet of rust-coloured confetti.

5. Sokoto, Sokoto State

The Religious Capital of the North

Sokoto was founded in 1809 and quickly became a religious and cultural centre in Northern Nigeria. It’s known as the home of the Sokoto Caliphate, which was a major Islamic empire in West Africa. The ancient town of Sokoto still plays a significant role in Islamic scholarship, and it’s home to the Sultan of Sokoto, the highest Islamic authority in Nigeria.

Fun fact: The heat in Sokoto is no joke. Locals like to say, “If you can survive Sokoto heat, you can survive anywhere.

6. Zaria, Kaduna State

The Home of Queen Amina

Zaria was originally known as Zazzau and was one of the seven ancient Hausa city-states. It was a major trading centre for slaves, salt, and grains. But the most famous figure in Zaria’s history is Queen Amina, the warrior queen who expanded the kingdom and is said to have built walls around many towns. If you visit, you might just feel her warrior spirit in the air.

Fun fact: Zaria is home to one of Nigeria’s top universities, Ahmadu Bello University. So, the town went from warriors to scholars. It is one of the top largest cities in Nigeria by population.

7. Abeokuta, Ogun State

The Town Under the Rock

Abeokuta literally means “under the rock,” and it’s no wonder—there’s a giant rock called Olumo Rock that the ancient town is built around. The Egba people used the rock as a fortress to defend themselves against enemies. Today, Abeokuta is a thriving city, but the rock is still a major tourist attraction.

Fun fact: If you climb Olumo Rock, not only will you get an amazing view, but you’ll also get to see ancient caves used as hiding spots during wars.

8. Onitsha, Anambra State

The Mighty River Port

Onitsha has always been a major trading city, thanks to its strategic location by the Niger River. It was an ancient town that grew into a booming commercial city, especially after the British established a trading post there in the mid-1800s. The famous Onitsha Market is still one of the largest in West Africa.

Fun fact: If shopping were an Olympic sport, Onitsha Market would be the training ground for champions.

9. Oyo, Oyo State

The Ancient Capital of the Oyo Empire

Oyo was the capital of the ancient Oyo Empire, one of the most powerful empires in West Africa. The ancient town was a hub for politics, military power, and trade, ruled by the Alaafin of Oyo. Even though Ibadan is now the capital of Oyo State, the town of Oyo still holds historical significance and continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage.

Fun fact: Even though Oyo has modernized, you can still hear the sound of talking drums during traditional ceremonies and you can still see the legacies of the powerful Oyo Empire, and the Alaafin’s palace remains a key attraction.

10. Calabar, Cross River State

The Gateway to Nigeria

Calabar was a key city during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and was one of the first Nigerian cities to have contact with European traders. The ancient town was a centre of commerce and has a rich colonial history. Today, Calabar is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria and is a major tourist destination, especially during the annual Calabar Carnival.

Fun fact: Calabar has so much history that even the walls seem to whisper stories from the past—listen closely, and you might just hear one!

Conclusion

These ancient towns in Nigeria hold stories of empires, battles, trade, and culture. They’ve transformed into modern cities, but their histories are still alive in the streets, monuments, and traditions. Whether you’re visiting the oldest city in Northern Nigeria or climbing the heights of Olumo Rock, Nigeria’s ancient places are a reminder of the rich past that shapes its future.