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Kaduna

“Centre of Learning”

Capital Kaduna
Zone North West
LGAs 23
Population 8,300,000
2026 Budget ₦985.9B

About Kaduna

Kaduna State is one of the major states in Northern Nigeria, strategically located and serving as a gateway between the northern and southern regions. It is known for its political significance, military presence, and educational institutions.
Historical Background
The territory that constitutes modern Kaduna State has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence pointing to settled communities along the Kaduna River basin long before recorded history. The name "Kaduna" itself derives from the Hausa word for crocodile… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Kaduna

Official nameKaduna
Capital city Kaduna
Slogan / MottoCentre of Learning
Geo-political zone North West
Local govt areas 23 LGAs →
Population (census) 8,300,000
Population density 180 / km²
Total area 46,053 km²
First governor Colonel Abba Kyari
2026 budget ₦985.9B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Kaduna

The capital city of Kaduna State is Kaduna. It is the seat of the Kaduna State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Kaduna State has 23 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, Kaduna State has a population of 8,300,000. The state capital Kaduna is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 180 persons per km².
Kaduna State is in the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Kaduna State was created in 1967. The first governor was Colonel Abba Kyari. Learn more on the Kaduna State History page.
The Kaduna State budget for 2026 is ₦985.9B. See the full breakdown on the Kaduna State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Kaduna State covers a total land area of 46,053 km². With a population density of 180 people per km².

Government Structure

Kaduna State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state has undergone significant reforms in governance, infrastructure development, and public service delivery in recent years.

Economy of Kaduna

The economy of Kaduna State is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Major crops include maize, ginger, tomatoes, and cotton. The state also has industrial zones and growing investments in textiles and food processing.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Over 8 million people. Kaduna is highly diverse, with major ethnic groups including Hausa, Gbagyi, Adara, and others, alongside a significant mix of religious communities.
8,300,000
Population
46,053
Area km²
180
Per km²
23
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Kaduna

Kaduna State features cultural diversity and historical sites such as the Kajuru Castle, Nok Terracotta heritage, and the Matsirga Waterfalls. It is also known for festivals and traditional crafts across different ethnic groups.

Local Government Areas in Kaduna

23 LGAs

Birnin Gwari
HQ: Birnin Gwari
285,000
Population

Known for gold mining and farming. Remote LGA with security challenges. Important agricultural zone.

Chikun
HQ: Chikun
351,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA surrounding Kaduna city, with major military bases and growing residential estates.

Giwa
HQ: Giwa
190,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Gateway between Kaduna and Katsina States.

Igabi
HQ: Igabi
388,000
Population

Major peri-urban LGA around Kaduna city. Home to Kaduna Airport and Kaduna Polytechnic campus.

Ikara
HQ: Ikara
168,000
Population

Known for livestock, groundnuts and millet farming. Important emirate town in northern Kaduna.

Jaba
HQ: Kafanchan
198,000
Population

Contains Kafanchan, a major commercial hub in southern Kaduna. Known for yam and sorghum farming.

Jemaa
HQ: Kafanchan
280,000
Population

Large LGA in southern Kaduna containing Kafanchan. Known for diverse ethnic communities.

Kachia
HQ: Kachia
175,000
Population

Known for yam, sorghum and livestock farming. Important LGA in south-central Kaduna.

Kaduna North
HQ: Kaduna
1,110,000
Population

Contains the northern part of Kaduna city, the state capital. Major industrial and commercial hub.

Kaduna South
HQ: Kaduna
1,050,000
Population

Southern Kaduna city, home to military headquarters, Ahmadu Bello Stadium and major institutions.

Kagarko
HQ: Kagarko
118,000
Population

Known for sorghum, yam and groundnut farming. Predominantly Gbagyi communities in central Kaduna.

Kajuru
HQ: Kajuru
145,000
Population

Known for Kajuru Castle, a major tourist attraction. Predominantly Gbagyi people with farming communities.

Kaura
HQ: Kaura
168,000
Population

Known for yam and sorghum farming by the Kagoro, Moroa and Atyap people of southern Kaduna.

Kauru
HQ: Kauru
174,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnuts. The Ham people of Kauru have strong cultural heritage.

Kubau
HQ: Anchau
215,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and millet. Contains Anchau wildlife corridor, a major conservation area.

Kudan
HQ: Hunkuyi
148,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts, millet and livestock along the Kaduna-Kano highway.

Lere
HQ: Lere
195,000
Population

Known for the Lere dam, groundnut farming and diverse ethnic communities of the Kaduna plains.

Makarfi
HQ: Makarfi
160,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Named after a former Kaduna governor.

Sabon Gari
HQ: Zaria
308,000
Population

Northern part of Zaria containing the famous Sabon Gari market. Known for commerce and ABU.

Sanga
HQ: Gwantu
138,000
Population

Known for yam and sorghum farming by the Ninzam and Mada people in southern Kaduna.

Soba
HQ: Maigana
200,000
Population

Known for groundnuts, millet and livestock. Important agricultural LGA in northern Kaduna.

Zangon Kataf
HQ: Zonkwa
218,000
Population

Known for tin mining history and diverse ethnic communities. Now reconciling after past conflicts.

Zaria
HQ: Zaria
408,000
Population

Historic city, home to Ahmadu Bello University, Zarias ancient walls and the great Zaria emirate palace.

History of Kaduna State

The territory that constitutes modern Kaduna State has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence pointing to settled communities along the Kaduna River basin long before recorded history. The name "Kaduna" itself derives from the Hausa word for crocodiles — "Kada" — reflect…
Historical Kingdoms: Zazzau (Zaria) Emirate, Birnin Gwari chieftaincy, Kagoro chieftaincy, Kauru chieftaincy, Jema'a chieftaincy
🕐 Read Full History of Kaduna →

2026 Appropriation

₦985.9B
Total Budget — Kaduna State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Kaduna State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Kaduna State under Governor Uba Sani totals ₦985.9B. 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 Kaduna State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →