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Adamawa

“Land of Beauty”

Capital Yola
Zone North East
LGAs 21
Population 4,536,948
2026 Budget ₦583.3B

About Adamawa

Adamawa State is located in the North-East region of Nigeria and is known for its rich natural landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and wildlife reserves. It shares an international border with Cameroon and plays a key role in regional trade and agriculture.
Historical Background
The territory that is today Adamawa State has been inhabited for thousands of years by a remarkable diversity of peoples. Archaeological evidence points to early Iron Age settlements across the Benue and Gongola River valleys, with indigenous groups such as the Kilba, Chamba, Mum… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Adamawa

Official nameAdamawa
Capital city Yola
Slogan / MottoLand of Beauty
Geo-political zone North East
Local govt areas 21 LGAs →
Population (census) 4,536,948
Population density 123 / km²
Total area 36,917 km²
First governor Colonel Bamanga Tukur
2026 budget ₦583.3B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Adamawa

The capital city of Adamawa State is Yola. It is the seat of the Adamawa State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Adamawa State has 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Adamawa State has a population of 4,536,948. The state capital Yola is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 123 persons per km².
Adamawa State is in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Adamawa State was created in 1991. The first governor was Colonel Bamanga Tukur. Learn more on the Adamawa State History page.
The Adamawa State budget for 2026 is ₦583.3B. See the full breakdown on the Adamawa State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Adamawa State covers a total land area of 36,917 km². With a population density of 123 people per km².

Government Structure

Adamawa State is governed by an Executive Governor and a State House of Assembly. The state also maintains strong traditional leadership structures, including emirs and chiefs who play advisory roles in governance and community affairs.

Economy of Adamawa

The economy of Adamawa State is largely driven by agriculture, with crops such as rice, maize, cassava, and groundnuts. Livestock farming and fishing are also significant. The state has growing opportunities in mining, tourism, and small-scale industries.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 4.5 million. The state is ethnically diverse, with major groups including Fulani, Bachama, Margi, and Hausa communities. Islam and Christianity are the dominant religions.
4,536,948
Population
36,917
Area km²
123
Per km²
21
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Adamawa

Adamawa State is rich in culture and tourism, featuring attractions such as Sukur Cultural Landscape (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Gashaka-Gumti National Park, and scenic mountain ranges. Traditional festivals and cultural dances reflect the diversity of the people.

Local Government Areas in Adamawa

21 LGAs

Demsa
HQ: Demsa
90,187
Population

Agricultural LGA along the Benue River, known for sorghum, millet and fishing. Gateway to southern Adamawa.

Fufure
HQ: Fufure
101,523
Population

Semi-arid LGA in northern Adamawa, known for livestock rearing and groundnut farming.

Ganye
HQ: Ganye
121,340
Population

Scenic LGA near Cameroon border, known for the Atlantika Mountains. Centre for tourism and cross-border trade.

Gayuk
HQ: Guyuk
136,248
Population

Known for the Guyuk people and cotton farming. An important agricultural zone in central Adamawa.

Gombi
HQ: Gombi
118,792
Population

Commercial LGA known for cotton, groundnuts and cattle trade. Important market town in northern Adamawa.

Grie
HQ: Grie
61,429
Population

Smallest LGA in Adamawa, predominantly Fulani pastoral communities. Known for cattle and dairy production.

Hong
HQ: Hong
204,729
Population

Major agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and cotton. The Hong people have a rich cultural heritage.

Jada
HQ: Jada
102,400
Population

Located near Cameroon border, known for tourism and the Mapeo Falls. Centre of the Mumuye and Jada cultures.

Lamurde
HQ: Lamurde
69,847
Population

Small riverside LGA along the Benue River, known for fishing and subsistence farming.

Madagali
HQ: Madagali
161,028
Population

Northernmost LGA in Adamawa, affected by Boko Haram insurgency. Rebuilding. Known for cattle.

Maiha
HQ: Maiha
102,983
Population

Predominantly Fulani LGA along the Cameroon border, known for cattle rearing and dairy products.

Mayo-Belwa
HQ: Mayo Belwa
139,480
Population

Known for the Mayo-Belwa emirate and cotton farming. Important commercial centre in southern Adamawa.

Michika
HQ: Michika
196,456
Population

Major LGA recovering from insurgency, known for its resilient Higgi and Margi people.

Mubi North
HQ: Mubi
182,705
Population

Contains the commercial city of Mubi, major trading centre and gateway to Cameroon. Home to Adamawa State University.

Mubi South
HQ: Muchalla
119,698
Population

Southern outskirts of Mubi city, known for agricultural trade and livestock markets.

Numan
HQ: Numan
105,990
Population

Historic LGA of the Bachama people. Known for fishing, rice farming and the Numan emirate.

Shelleng
HQ: Shelleng
125,310
Population

Known for the Zinna people and cotton farming. Important agricultural LGA in central Adamawa.

Song
HQ: Song
178,543
Population

Agricultural LGA known for cotton, maize and cattle. The Song people have vibrant cultural heritage.

Toungo
HQ: Toungo
56,833
Population

Remote LGA bordering Taraba, known for the Toungo Game Reserve and diverse wildlife.

Yola North
HQ: Yola
93,498
Population

Contains Yola, the Adamawa State capital. Seat of government, home to Modibbo Adama University.

Yola South
HQ: Jimeta
151,618
Population

Covers Jimeta, the commercial capital of Adamawa. Major banking, trading and transport hub.

History of Adamawa State

The territory that is today Adamawa State has been inhabited for thousands of years by a remarkable diversity of peoples. Archaeological evidence points to early Iron Age settlements across the Benue and Gongola River valleys, with indigenous groups such as the Kilba, Chamba, Mumuye, Bachama, Bwatiy…
Historical Kingdoms: Adamawa Emirate, Fombina Kingdom, Borno Empire, Mandara Kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Adamawa →

2026 Appropriation

₦583.3B
Total Budget — Adamawa State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Adamawa State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Adamawa State under Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri totals ₦583.3B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Adamawa State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →