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Katsina

“Home of Hospitality”

Capital Katsina
Zone North West
LGAs 34
Population 8,300,000
2026 Budget ₦897.9B

About Katsina

Katsina State is located in North-West Nigeria and was created in 1987 from the former Kaduna State. It shares a border with the Republic of Niger and is known for its historical significance as the birthplace of many ancient Hausa kingdoms.
Historical Background
Katsina occupies one of the most historically significant territories in all of West Africa. The region was home to the ancient Hausa state of Katsina, one of the seven legitimate Hausa kingdoms — the Hausa Bakwai — that dominated the central Sudan from at least the 11th cent… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Katsina

Official nameKatsina
Capital city Katsina
Slogan / MottoHome of Hospitality
Geo-political zone North West
Local govt areas 34 LGAs →
Population (census) 8,300,000
Population density 343 / km²
Total area 24,192 km²
First governor Colonel Usman Faruk
2026 budget ₦897.9B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Katsina

The capital city of Katsina State is Katsina. It is the seat of the Katsina State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Katsina State has 34 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, Katsina State has a population of 8,300,000. The state capital Katsina is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 343 persons per km².
Katsina 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.
Katsina State was created in 1987. The first governor was Colonel Usman Faruk. Learn more on the Katsina State History page.
The Katsina State budget for 2026 is ₦897.9B. See the full breakdown on the Katsina State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Katsina State covers a total land area of 24,192 km². With a population density of 343 people per km².

Government Structure

Katsina State is governed by an Executive Governor and a 34-member House of Assembly. The state also maintains strong traditional leadership, including the Emir of Katsina, who plays a key cultural and historical role.

Economy of Katsina

The economy is largely driven by agriculture, livestock rearing, and small-scale trading. Major crops include millet, maize, sorghum, and groundnuts. The state also engages in cross-border trade with Niger Republic.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated over 8 million people. The state is predominantly Hausa-Fulani with Islam as the major religion influencing cultural and social life.
8,300,000
Population
24,192
Area km²
343
Per km²
34
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Katsina

Katsina is rich in Islamic and Hausa heritage. Key attractions include the Katsina City Walls, Gobarau Minaret, Emir’s Palace, and traditional festivals such as Durbar celebrations.

Local Government Areas in Katsina

34 LGAs

Bakori
HQ: Bakori
184,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and millet farming. Important agricultural LGA in central Katsina.

Batagarawa
HQ: Batagarawa
186,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and cotton farming. Peri-urban LGA adjacent to Katsina city.

Batsari
HQ: Batsari
210,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts, millet and livestock in central Katsina.

Baure
HQ: Baure
181,000
Population

Border LGA with Niger Republic. Known for groundnuts and cross-border cattle trade.

Bindawa
HQ: Bindawa
131,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming in central Katsina.

Charanchi
HQ: Charanchi
128,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and livestock. Agricultural LGA in western Katsina.

Dan Musa
HQ: Dan Musa
152,000
Population

Northern Katsina LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Gateway to Niger Republic.

Dandume
HQ: Dandume
185,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for cotton, groundnuts and millet in western Katsina.

Danja
HQ: Danja
156,000
Population

Known for the Danja emirate and groundnut farming. Important market town in central Katsina.

Daura
HQ: Daura
194,000
Population

Historic city and origin of the Hausa Bakwai kingdoms. Birthplace of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dutsi
HQ: Dutsi
133,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming near the Niger Republic border.

Dutsin Ma
HQ: Dutsin Ma
241,000
Population

Known for the Dutsin Ma emirate and Federal University Dutsin-Ma. Growing educational hub.

Faskari
HQ: Faskari
183,000
Population

Known for cotton, groundnuts and livestock. Agricultural LGA in western Katsina.

Funtua
HQ: Funtua
278,000
Population

Major cotton and textile industrial city. Home to the Funtua ginnery and cotton processing industry.

Ingawa
HQ: Ingawa
151,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Important market LGA in eastern Katsina.

Jibia
HQ: Jibia
242,000
Population

Border LGA with Niger Republic, known for cross-border trade, cattle and groundnuts.

Kafur
HQ: Kafur
181,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and millet farming in the central Katsina plains.

Kaita
HQ: Kaita
156,000
Population

Northern Katsina LGA known for groundnuts and livestock near the Niger Republic border.

Kankara
HQ: Kankara
256,000
Population

Known for the 2020 mass schoolboys kidnapping. Agricultural LGA with cattle and groundnuts.

Kankia
HQ: Kankia
190,000
Population

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

Katsina
HQ: Katsina
532,000
Population

Contains the Katsina State capital. Home to the Katsina emirate and Umaru Musa YarAdua University.

Kurfi
HQ: Kurfi
138,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Communities also engage in pottery crafts.

Kusada
HQ: Kusada
132,000
Population

Known for cotton and groundnut farming. Small LGA in southern Katsina.

Mai Adua
HQ: Mai Adua
165,000
Population

Border LGA with Niger Republic known for cross-border cattle trade and groundnut farming.

Malumfashi
HQ: Malumfashi
300,000
Population

Known for the famous Malumfashi cotton ginnery and textile industry.

Mani
HQ: Mani
143,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet farming in eastern Katsina.

Mashi
HQ: Mashi
178,000
Population

Northernmost Katsina LGA, bordering Niger Republic. Known for cross-border trade and livestock.

Matazu
HQ: Matazu
130,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming in western Katsina.

Musawa
HQ: Musawa
180,000
Population

Known for the Musawa emirate, groundnut and millet farming in southern Katsina.

Rimi
HQ: Rimi
180,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for cotton and groundnut farming in southern Katsina.

Sabuwa
HQ: Sabuwa
148,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and millet farming. Agricultural LGA in western Katsina.

Safana
HQ: Safana
148,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet, groundnuts and livestock in western Katsina.

Sandamu
HQ: Sandamu
130,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming in eastern Katsina.

Zango
HQ: Zango
189,000
Population

Known for the Zango emirate and agricultural activities. Important LGA in southern Katsina.

History of Katsina State

Katsina occupies one of the most historically significant territories in all of West Africa. The region was home to the ancient Hausa state of Katsina, one of the seven legitimate Hausa kingdoms — the Hausa Bakwai — that dominated the central Sudan from at least the 11th century. According to the Ka…
Historical Kingdoms: Katsina Emirate, Daura Emirate, Kankiya kingdom, Mashi Emirate
🕐 Read Full History of Katsina →

2026 Appropriation

₦897.9B
Total Budget — Katsina State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Katsina State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Katsina State under Governor Dikko Umaru Radda totals ₦897.9B. 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 Katsina State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →