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Borno

“Home of Peace”

Capital Maiduguri
Zone North East
LGAs 26
Population 5,860,000
2026 Budget ₦892.4B
🏠 26 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Borno

Borno State is located in North-Eastern Nigeria and is one of the largest states by landmass. It is historically known as the heart of the Kanem-Borno Empire, one of Africa’s oldest civilizations, with deep cultural and Islamic heritage.
Historical Background
Borno State sits at the heart of one of the oldest and most powerful empires in African history. The Kanem Empire, which originated northeast of Lake Chad around the 9th century AD, was founded by the Duguwa dynasty and later consolidated by the Sayfawa dynasty — a ruling linea… Read full history →

Explore Borno State

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26 LGAs
Local Govts
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State Budget
2026: ₦892.4B
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State History
Created 1976
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Tribes
Ethnic groups
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State Map
Interactive map
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Postal Codes
All LGA codes
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Officials
Governor & reps
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Elections
Gov election history

Quick Facts — Borno

Official nameBorno
Capital city Maiduguri
Slogan / MottoHome of Peace
Geo-political zone North East
Local govt areas 26 LGAs →
Population (census) 5,860,000
Population density 77 / km²
Total area 76,344 km²
First governor Colonel Shuwa Muslim
2026 budget ₦892.4B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Borno

The capital city of Borno State is Maiduguri. It is the seat of the Borno State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Borno State has 26 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, Borno State has a population of 5,860,000. The state capital Maiduguri is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 77 persons per km².
Borno 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.
Borno State was created in 1976. The first governor was Colonel Shuwa Muslim. Learn more on the Borno State History page.
The Borno State budget for 2026 is ₦892.4B. See the full breakdown on the Borno State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Borno State covers a total land area of 76,344 km². With a population density of 77 people per km².

Economy of Borno

The economy of Borno is largely driven by agriculture, livestock production, fishing, and cross-border trade with neighbouring countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. Key crops include millet, maize, rice, and sorghum.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Approximately 6–7 million people. The state is home to diverse ethnic groups including Kanuri, Babur, Shuwa Arab, and Fulani communities.
5,860,000
Population
76,344
Area km²
77
Per km²
26
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Borno

Borno State is rich in historical and cultural heritage. Attractions include the ancient city of Maiduguri, the historic Kanem-Borno legacy sites, Lake Chad basin, and traditional Durbar festivals showcasing horse-riding and royal ceremonies.

Local Government Areas in Borno

26 LGAs

Abadam
HQ: Damasak
150,000
Population

Remote LGA bordering Niger Republic and Chad. Known for livestock and millet. Recovering from insurgency.

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Askira/Uba
HQ: Askira
162,541
Population

Known for groundnuts, cattle and the Margi people cultural heritage. Agricultural LGA in southern Borno.

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Bama
HQ: Bama
265,072
Population

Former LGA headquarters devastated by Boko Haram. Rebuilding with significant government investment.

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Bayo
HQ: Bayo
56,773
Population

Small LGA in southern Borno known for cattle rearing and sorghum farming.

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Biu
HQ: Biu
195,202
Population

Capital of Borno South, home to the historic Biu emirate. Known for cotton, groundnuts and the Biu Plateau.

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Chibok
HQ: Chibok
66,000
Population

Known globally after the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping. Predominantly Christian Chibok people.

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Damboa
HQ: Damboa
103,296
Population

Gateway to Sambisa Forest. Rebuilding after Boko Haram occupation. Known for sorghum and livestock.

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Dikwa
HQ: Dikwa
156,000
Population

Historic Kanuri emirate town on the Borno road. Gateway to Lake Chad. Known for millet and cattle.

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Gubio
HQ: Gubio
130,000
Population

Semi-arid LGA recovering from insurgency, near the Lake Chad basin. Known for millet and gum arabic.

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Guzamala
HQ: Guzamala
80,000
Population

Remote LGA on the Lake Chad fringes, known for fishing, gum arabic and millet farming.

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Gwoza
HQ: Gwoza
186,000
Population

Mountainous LGA on the Mandara Mountains. Formerly held by Boko Haram as caliphate capital. Rebuilding.

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Hawul
HQ: Kwajaffa
134,636
Population

Known for the Bura people and cotton farming. Important agricultural LGA in southern Borno.

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Jere
HQ: Monguno (part)
249,902
Population

Surrounds Maiduguri city. Home to IDP camps and major commercial suburbs of the Borno capital.

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Kaga
HQ: Kaga
110,000
Population

Agricultural LGA near Maiduguri, known for sorghum, millet and cattle. Recovering from insurgency.

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Kala/Balge
HQ: Rann
95,000
Population

Extremely remote LGA along Lake Chad shores. Known for fishing and gum arabic. Frequently flooded.

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Konduga
HQ: Konduga
186,000
Population

Adjacent to Maiduguri, recovering from Boko Haram. Known for sorghum farming and cattle rearing.

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Kukawa
HQ: Kukawa
115,000
Population

Lake Chad shoreline LGA, known for fishing, gum arabic and cross-border trade.

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Kwaya Kusar
HQ: Kwaya Kusar
60,256
Population

Small LGA in southern Borno known for the Kwaya people culture and sorghum farming.

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Mafa
HQ: Mafa
110,000
Population

Agricultural LGA east of Maiduguri, known for millet, sorghum and cattle. Recovering from insurgency.

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Magumeri
HQ: Magumeri
148,000
Population

Known for the Magumeri emirate and livestock rearing. Semi-arid LGA with cattle and gum arabic.

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Maiduguri
HQ: Maiduguri
621,400
Population

Capital of Borno State and largest city in northeastern Nigeria. Home to University of Maiduguri.

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Marte
HQ: Marte
140,000
Population

Lake Chad basin LGA recovering from insurgency. Known for fishing, gum arabic and millet farming.

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Mobbar
HQ: Mobbar
140,000
Population

Remote LGA near Lake Chad basin, known for livestock and fishing. Sparsely populated with nomadic communities.

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Monguno
HQ: Monguno
186,000
Population

Hub for Lake Chad trade, known for dried fish, millet and cattle. Hosts large IDP population.

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Ngala
HQ: Ngala
161,000
Population

Border LGA with Cameroon, known for cross-border trade, cattle and sorghum.

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Nganzai
HQ: Gashagar
90,000
Population

Remote LGA recovering from insurgency. Known for millet farming and livestock near Chad.

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History of Borno State

Borno State sits at the heart of one of the oldest and most powerful empires in African history. The Kanem Empire, which originated northeast of Lake Chad around the 9th century AD, was founded by the Duguwa dynasty and later consolidated by the Sayfawa dynasty — a ruling lineage that would govern t…
Historical Kingdoms: Kanem Empire, Bornu Empire, Biu Emirate, Fika Emirate, Dikwa Emirate
🕐 Read Full History of Borno →

2026 Appropriation

₦892.4B
Total Budget — Borno State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Borno State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Borno State under Governor Babagana Umara Zulum totals ₦892.4B. 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 Borno State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →