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Bauchi

“Pearl of Tourism”

Capital Bauchi
Zone North East
LGAs 20
Population 6,537,000
2026 Budget ₦877.0B

About Bauchi

Bauchi State is located in the North-East region of Nigeria and is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and natural attractions. It serves as a major gateway between northern and eastern Nigeria.
Historical Background
The territory that constitutes present-day Bauchi State has been inhabited for millennia. Archaeological evidence and oral tradition point to an early human presence across the Jos Plateau fringes and the river valleys of the Gongola and Jama'are. The pre-Fulani inhabitants of th… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Bauchi

Official nameBauchi
Capital city Bauchi
Slogan / MottoPearl of Tourism
Geo-political zone North East
Local govt areas 20 LGAs →
Population (census) 6,537,000
Population density 142 / km²
Total area 45,893 km²
First governor Suleiman Bello
2026 budget ₦877.0B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Bauchi

The capital city of Bauchi State is Bauchi. It is the seat of the Bauchi State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Bauchi State has 20 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, Bauchi State has a population of 6,537,000. The state capital Bauchi is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 142 persons per km².
Bauchi 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.
Bauchi State was created in 1976. The first governor was Suleiman Bello. Learn more on the Bauchi State History page.
The Bauchi State budget for 2026 is ₦877.0B. See the full breakdown on the Bauchi State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Bauchi State covers a total land area of 45,893 km². With a population density of 142 people per km².

Economy of Bauchi

The economy of Bauchi State is largely driven by agriculture, with crops such as maize, millet, rice, and groundnuts being widely cultivated. Livestock farming is also prominent. The state is gradually expanding into mining and tourism sectors.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 7 million. The state is ethnically diverse, with major groups including Hausa, Fulani, Sayawa, and Jarawa. Islam is the dominant religion, alongside Christianity and traditional beliefs.
6,537,000
Population
45,893
Area km²
142
Per km²
20
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Bauchi

Bauchi State is home to Yankari National Park, one of Nigeria’s most popular wildlife destinations. Other attractions include Wikki Warm Springs, Tafawa Balewa Tomb, and traditional festivals that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the people.

Local Government Areas in Bauchi

20 LGAs

Alkaleri
HQ: Alkaleri
239,882
Population

Known for gold mining activities and the Alkaleri River. Predominantly Sayawa and Jarawa people.

Bauchi
HQ: Bauchi
493,810
Population

Contains Bauchi, the state capital. Home to Yankari Game Reserve gateway and major state institutions.

Bogoro
HQ: Bogoro
80,499
Population

Known for its Christian community and the Bogoro massacre site. Agriculture is the main occupation.

Damban
HQ: Damban
100,177
Population

Semi-arid LGA known for groundnut, millet and sorghum farming. Predominantly Fulani and Hausa communities.

Darazo
HQ: Darazo
148,988
Population

Known for granite quarrying and agriculture. Important commercial centre in northern Bauchi.

Dass
HQ: Dass
79,498
Population

Predominantly Sura and Angas people, known for their cultural resistance during colonial rule.

Gamawa
HQ: Gamawa
137,164
Population

Agricultural LGA known for sesame seeds, cotton and groundnuts. Growing market activities.

Ganjuwa
HQ: Ganjuwa
134,027
Population

Known for onion and tomato farming, supplying markets across northern Nigeria.

Giade
HQ: Giade
95,264
Population

Semi-arid LGA known for livestock, groundnuts and the Giade emirate.

Itas-Gadau
HQ: Itas
114,897
Population

Known for the Itas and Gadau people. Communities producing millet, sorghum and groundnuts.

Jamaare
HQ: Jamaare
79,948
Population

Historic emirate headquarters. Known for the ancient Jamaare emirate palace and Islamic scholarship.

Katagum
HQ: Azare
221,324
Population

Second largest city in Bauchi. Azare is a major commercial centre known for tomatoes and textile trading.

Kirfi
HQ: Kirfi
97,425
Population

Known for fishing in the Gongola River and subsistence farming. Communities include Jarawa and Tula peoples.

Misau
HQ: Misau
138,073
Population

Known for the Misau emirate and agricultural activities. Important market town in northern Bauchi.

Ningi
HQ: Ningi
197,407
Population

Known for onion farming and livestock. Ningi is a growing commercial centre serving central Bauchi.

Shira
HQ: Jatau
107,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet, guinea corn and groundnuts. Home to Fulani pastoralists and Hausa farmers.

Tafawa Balewa
HQ: Tafawa Balewa
118,960
Population

Named after Nigerias first Prime Minister. Known for highland agriculture, cattle and the Sayawa people.

Toro
HQ: Toro
243,031
Population

Largest LGA in Bauchi by area. Known for the Toro emirate, highlands agriculture and diverse ethnic communities.

Warji
HQ: Warji
93,183
Population

Known for the Warji people cultural heritage and agricultural activities. Remote LGA in southern Bauchi.

Zaki
HQ: Zaki
146,225
Population

Known for livestock, groundnuts and the Zaki emirate. Important cattle market in northeastern Bauchi.

History of Bauchi State

The territory that constitutes present-day Bauchi State has been inhabited for millennia. Archaeological evidence and oral tradition point to an early human presence across the Jos Plateau fringes and the river valleys of the Gongola and Jama'are. The pre-Fulani inhabitants of the region were predom…
Historical Kingdoms: Bauchi Emirate, Gombe Emirate, Katagum Emirate, Misau Emirate, Jama'are Emirate, Dass chieftaincy, Ningi chieftaincy
🕐 Read Full History of Bauchi →

2026 Appropriation

₦877.0B
Total Budget — Bauchi State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Bauchi State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Bauchi State under Governor Bala Mohammed totals ₦877.0B. 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 Bauchi State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →