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Kano

“Centre of Commerce”

Capital Kano
Zone North West
LGAs 43
Population 15,000,000
2026 Budget ₦1.48T

About Kano

Kano State is one of the most historically important and commercially vibrant states in Northern Nigeria. It is home to Kano City, a centuries-old trade centre and one of the largest metropolitan areas in West Africa.
Historical Background
Kano is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in sub-Saharan Africa, with archaeological evidence of human settlement on the site of Dala Hill dating back over three thousand years. According to the Kano Chronicle — a remarkable historical document compiled in the eig… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Kano

Official nameKano
Capital city Kano
Slogan / MottoCentre of Commerce
Geo-political zone North West
Local govt areas 43 LGAs →
Population (census) 15,000,000
Population density 745 / km²
Total area 20,131 km²
First governor Alhaji Audu Bako
2026 budget ₦1.48T →

Frequently Asked Questions — Kano

The capital city of Kano State is Kano. It is the seat of the Kano State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Kano State has 43 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, Kano State has a population of 15,000,000. The state capital Kano is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 745 persons per km².
Kano 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.
Kano State was created in 1967. The first governor was Alhaji Audu Bako. Learn more on the Kano State History page.
The Kano State budget for 2026 is ₦1.48T. See the full breakdown on the Kano State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Kano State covers a total land area of 20,131 km². With a population density of 745 people per km².

Government Structure

Kano State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state also maintains strong traditional authority, led by the Emir of Kano, one of the most influential monarchs in Nigeria.

Economy of Kano

Kano has a strong economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, and cross-border trade. It is known for leather works, textile production, grain markets, and industrial activities.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Over 15 million people. The state is predominantly Hausa-Fulani with a strong Islamic cultural heritage and a young, rapidly growing population.
15,000,000
Population
20,131
Area km²
745
Per km²
43
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Kano

Kano is rich in culture and history, featuring landmarks such as the ancient Kano City Walls, Kurmi Market (one of West Africa’s oldest markets), Emir’s Palace, and the Durbar Festival.

Local Government Areas in Kano

43 LGAs

Ajingi
HQ: Ajingi
142,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Gateway between Kano and Jigawa States.

Albasu
HQ: Albasu
157,000
Population

Known for groundnuts, millet and livestock. Predominantly Hausa-Fulani communities in eastern Kano.

Bagwai
HQ: Bagwai
132,000
Population

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

Bebeji
HQ: Bebeji
180,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and cotton farming. Growing commercial activities along Kano-Wudil Road.

Bichi
HQ: Bichi
262,000
Population

Known for the Bichi emirate and large livestock market. Important commercial centre north of Kano.

Bunkure
HQ: Bunkure
168,000
Population

Known for leather tanning and groundnut farming. Important cottage industry LGA south of Kano.

Dala
HQ: Kano
380,000
Population

Part of Kano city, known for the historic Dala Hill, ancient dye pits and leather craft industry.

Dambatta
HQ: Dambatta
205,000
Population

Major commercial town known for the Dambatta market and groundnut trade. Important emirate town.

Dawakin Kudu
HQ: Dawakin Kudu
265,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA adjacent to Kano city, known for onion farming and growing residential development.

Dawakin Tofa
HQ: Dawakin Tofa
205,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming north of Kano city.

Doguwa
HQ: Doguwa
148,000
Population

Known for tin mining deposits and agricultural activities in southern Kano.

Fagge
HQ: Kano
280,000
Population

Central Kano commercial district. Contains the famous Kurmi Market, one of the oldest in West Africa.

Garko
HQ: Garko
183,000
Population

Known for onion and tomato farming. Important vegetable supply LGA for Kano city markets.

Garun Mallam
HQ: Garun Mallam
143,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts, millet and onion farming south of Kano.

Gaya
HQ: Gaya
228,000
Population

Historic emirate town. Known for livestock, groundnuts and a major weekly market.

Gezawa
HQ: Gezawa
228,000
Population

Known for onion farming, millet and groundnut production east of Kano city.

Gwale
HQ: Kano
310,000
Population

Central Kano LGA known for leather works, dye pits and the historic Gidan Makama Museum.

Gwarzo
HQ: Gwarzo
198,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and millet farming west of Kano. An important agricultural and commercial LGA.

Kabo
HQ: Kabo
157,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming. Predominantly Hausa-Fulani communities.

Kano Municipal
HQ: Kano
2,828,861
Population

The Kano city heartland, largest city in northern Nigeria. Home to the Emir palace and major commerce.

Karaye
HQ: Karaye
185,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and millet farming west of Kano. Important agricultural LGA.

Kibiya
HQ: Kibiya
134,000
Population

Known for onion farming and weekly market attracting traders from across Kano State.

Kiru
HQ: Kiru
198,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Growing commercial activities west of Kano.

Kumbotso
HQ: Kumbotso
270,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA adjacent to Kano city, known for the Kumbotso market and growing industrial activities.

Kunchi
HQ: Kunchi
153,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet near the Katsina border north of Kano.

Kura
HQ: Kura
170,000
Population

Known for onion farming and the Kura onion market, supplying southern Nigeria.

Madobi
HQ: Madobi
168,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts, millet and growing industrial activities south of Kano.

Makoda
HQ: Makoda
160,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming. Communities engage in cattle rearing.

Minjibir
HQ: Minjibir
182,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for onion and millet farming east of Kano. Weekly market attracts traders.

Nasarawa
HQ: Nasarawa
350,000
Population

Urban Kano LGA. Contains Murtala Muhammed Library and Kano teaching hospital surroundings.

Rano
HQ: Rano
200,000
Population

Historic emirate town known for the Rano kingdom and cotton farming. Important commercial centre.

Rimin Gado
HQ: Rimin Gado
132,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming north of Kano city.

Rogo
HQ: Rogo
175,000
Population

Known for onion and groundnut farming. Growing commercial activities south of Kano.

Shanono
HQ: Shanono
140,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet west of Kano.

Sumaila
HQ: Sumaila
230,000
Population

Known for cotton, groundnuts and the Sumaila emirate. Important commercial centre in southern Kano.

Takai
HQ: Takai
192,000
Population

Known for onion and tomato farming. Important vegetable belt LGA south of Kano.

Tarauni
HQ: Kano
225,000
Population

Urban Kano LGA known for commerce and the expanding Kano metropolitan area.

Tofa
HQ: Tofa
148,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming north of Kano.

Tsanyawa
HQ: Tsanyawa
163,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming. Communities involved in weekly markets.

Tudun Wada
HQ: Tudun Wada
233,000
Population

Known for onion and tomato farming. One of the major vegetable supply LGAs for Kano.

Ungogo
HQ: Ungogo
200,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA adjacent to Kano city, known for growing residential and commercial development.

Warawa
HQ: Warawa
150,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming east of Kano city.

Wudil
HQ: Wudil
190,000
Population

Known for the Wudil emirate, groundnuts and the Eastern Bypass commercial activities.

History of Kano State

Kano is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in sub-Saharan Africa, with archaeological evidence of human settlement on the site of Dala Hill dating back over three thousand years. According to the Kano Chronicle — a remarkable historical document compiled in the eighteenth century that t…
Historical Kingdoms: Kano Emirate, Hausa Bakwai kingdoms, Kanem-Borno Empire
🕐 Read Full History of Kano →

2026 Appropriation

₦1.48T
Total Budget — Kano State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Kano State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Kano State under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf totals ₦1.48T. 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 Kano State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →