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Gombe

“Jewel in the Savannah”

Capital Gombe
Zone North East
LGAs 11
Population 3,500,000
2026 Budget ₦618.0B

About Gombe

Gombe State, located in North-Eastern Nigeria, is often referred to as the “Jewel in the Savannah”. It was created in 1996 and is known for its peaceful environment and strategic position as a gateway between the North and the North-East regions.
Historical Background
The area that constitutes modern Gombe State has been inhabited since antiquity. Archaeological evidence and oral traditions point to the presence of various indigenous peoples across the Gongola River basin and the surrounding plains long before the arrival of organised Islamic … Read full history →

Quick Facts — Gombe

Official nameGombe
Capital city Gombe
Slogan / MottoJewel in the Savannah
Geo-political zone North East
Local govt areas 11 LGAs →
Population (census) 3,500,000
Population density 186 / km²
Total area 18,768 km²
First governor Dr. Abubakar Hashidu
2026 budget ₦618.0B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Gombe

The capital city of Gombe State is Gombe. It is the seat of the Gombe State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Gombe State has 11 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, Gombe State has a population of 3,500,000. The state capital Gombe is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 186 persons per km².
Gombe 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.
Gombe State was created in 1996. The first governor was Dr. Abubakar Hashidu. Learn more on the Gombe State History page.
The Gombe State budget for 2026 is ₦618.0B. See the full breakdown on the Gombe State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Gombe State covers a total land area of 18,768 km². With a population density of 186 people per km².

Economy of Gombe

The economy of Gombe State is largely driven by agriculture, livestock farming, and small-scale trade. Key crops include maize, millet, sorghum, rice, and groundnuts. The state also benefits from livestock markets and emerging solid mineral exploration.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Approximately 3.5 to 4 million people. The state is ethnically diverse, with major groups including Fulani, Tangale, Hausa, and Waja communities.
3,500,000
Population
18,768
Area km²
186
Per km²
11
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Gombe

Gombe State features beautiful natural landscapes such as the Yankari extension ecosystem, Kaltungo Hills, and wildlife reserves. Cultural festivals and traditional dances reflect the rich heritage of its people.

Local Government Areas in Gombe

11 LGAs

History of Gombe State

The area that constitutes modern Gombe State has been inhabited since antiquity. Archaeological evidence and oral traditions point to the presence of various indigenous peoples across the Gongola River basin and the surrounding plains long before the arrival of organised Islamic states. Among the ea…
Historical Kingdoms: Gombe Emirate, Tangale-Waja chieftaincies, Funakaye kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Gombe →

2026 Appropriation

₦618.0B
Total Budget — Gombe State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Gombe State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Gombe State under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya totals ₦618.0B. 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 Gombe State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →