The population of Bayelsa State is projected to reach approximately 2.75 million people in 2025, which shows an increase of about 9.5% from an estimated population of 2.53 million in 2022.
Bayelsa state growth rate is influenced by factors such as natural population increase and migration trends within Nigeria.
However, Bayelsa remains one of the least populated states in the country, but its population is expected to rise steadily in the coming years due to ongoing developments and improvements in local living conditions.
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How Has Bayelsa State’s Population Changed Over The Years?
Bayelsa State has seen remarkable population changes since it was created in 1996. Before the state officially existed, the population was recorded during the 1991 census at 1,121,693.
By the 2006 census, the population grew to about 1,703,358. This increase showed the state’s early development phase as people settled into the newly established region, and services and infrastructure began to improve.
In 2016, population estimates showed that Bayelsa had grown to approximately 2,277,961. This continued upward trend was influenced by natural population growth, migration, and steady economic and social development within the state.
And by 2022, the population had increased further to about 2,530,000. This was a notable rise, with a growth rate of approximately 11% compared to 2016.
Factors contributing to this growth included improvements in living conditions, increased opportunities for education and employment, and local development projects to improve infrastructure and services. As of January 2025, the population is projected to reach around 2.75 million.
This is another increase of about 9.5% from the 2022 estimate, and the factors driving this expected growth include developments in the state, such as better healthcare services, economic progress, and improvements in overall living conditions. These developments attract more people to the area and support the natural growth of the population.
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Bayelsa State Population By Local Government Area
Here’s the population projection of Bauchi state by Local Government Areas in 2025:
| No | Local Government Area | Population Projection (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brass | 275,000 |
| 2 | Ekeremor | 410,000 |
| 3 | Kolokuma/Opokuma | 115,000 |
| 4 | Nembe | 190,000 |
| 5 | Ogbia | 270,000 |
| 6 | Sagbama | 280,000 |
| 7 | Southern Ijaw | 475,000 |
| 8 | Yenagoa | 525,000 |
The Demographics Of Bayelsa State In 2025
Age
| Age Group | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 0–14 | 1,045,000 | 38.0% |
| 15–24 | 500,000 | 18.2% |
| 25–54 | 1,000,000 | 36.4% |
| 55+ | 205,000 | 7.4% |
Gender
| Gender | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 1,365,000 | 49.5% |
| Female | 1,385,000 | 50.5% |
Ethnic Group
Bayelsa State is predominantly home to the Ijaw ethnic group but also includes other ethnicities:
| Ethnicity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Ijaw | 1,800,000 | 65.5% |
| Urhobo | 300,000 | 10.9% |
| Yoruba | 250,000 | 9.1% |
| Igbo | 200,000 | 7.3% |
| Other | 200,000 | 7.3% |