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Kebbi

“Land of Equity”

Capital Birnin Kebbi
Zone North West
LGAs 21
Population 4,800,000
2026 Budget ₦642.9B
🏠 21 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Kebbi

Kebbi State is located in Northwestern Nigeria and was created in 1991 from the old Sokoto State. It is known for its agricultural strength and rich cultural heritage, especially the Argungu Fishing Festival, one of the most famous cultural events in Africa.
Historical Background
The history of the land that is today Kebbi State stretches back over a thousand years and is rooted in the rise and fall of some of the most powerful kingdoms in the West African savannah. The dominant pre-Islamic power of the region was the Kebbi Kingdom, founded in the early 1… Read full history →

Explore Kebbi State

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21 LGAs
Local Govts
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State Budget
2026: ₦642.9B
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State History
Created 1991
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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 — Kebbi

Official nameKebbi
Capital city Birnin Kebbi
Slogan / MottoLand of Equity
Geo-political zone North West
Local govt areas 21 LGAs →
Population (census) 4,800,000
Population density 128 / km²
Total area 37,454 km²
First governor Colonel Abubakar Umar
2026 budget ₦642.9B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Kebbi

The capital city of Kebbi State is Birnin Kebbi. It is the seat of the Kebbi State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Kebbi State has 21 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, Kebbi State has a population of 4,800,000. The state capital Birnin Kebbi is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 128 persons per km².
Kebbi 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.
Kebbi State was created in 1991. The first governor was Colonel Abubakar Umar. Learn more on the Kebbi State History page.
The Kebbi State budget for 2026 is ₦642.9B. See the full breakdown on the Kebbi State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Kebbi State covers a total land area of 37,454 km². With a population density of 128 people per km².

Economy of Kebbi

The economy of Kebbi State is largely driven by agriculture. It is one of Nigeria’s leading rice-producing states, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of Nigeria.” Other major economic activities include fishing, livestock farming, and small-scale trade.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Approximately 5 million people. The state is predominantly inhabited by Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, along with other minority communities.
4,800,000
Population
37,454
Area km²
128
Per km²
21
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Kebbi

Kebbi State is famous for the Argungu Fishing Festival, which attracts visitors from around the world. Other attractions include the Zuru Hills, Suru Dam, and traditional Emirate cultural festivals.

Local Government Areas in Kebbi

21 LGAs

Aleiro
HQ: Aleiro
115,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for rice and sorghum farming. Predominantly Hausa-Fulani communities.

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Arewa
HQ: Jega
220,000
Population

Contains Jega, a major commercial city. Known for onion, tomato and rice farming in southern Kebbi.

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Argungu
HQ: Argungu
205,000
Population

World-famous for the Argungu Fishing Festival. The historic Argungu emirate and Kware River fishing.

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Augie
HQ: Augie
128,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for sorghum and millet farming. Home to Augie communities along the Rima River.

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Bagudo
HQ: Bagudo
210,000
Population

Riverine LGA along River Niger, known for fishing and rice farming. Border LGA with Benin Republic.

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Birnin Kebbi
HQ: Birnin Kebbi
352,000
Population

Contains Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital. Home to the Kebbi emirate and state institutions.

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Bunza
HQ: Bunza
170,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA around Birnin Kebbi, known for rice farming and growing commercial activities.

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Dandi
HQ: Dandi
183,000
Population

Known for rice and onion farming. Important agricultural LGA in southern Kebbi.

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Fakai
HQ: Fakai
111,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet, sorghum and groundnut farming in northern Kebbi.

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Gwandu
HQ: Gwandu
243,000
Population

Historic emirate seat. Known for the Gwandu emirate, agriculture and Kebbi State University campus.

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Jega
HQ: Jega
190,000
Population

Known for onion farming and the Jega electoral reforms (INEC headquarters during 2011 elections).

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Kalgo
HQ: Kalgo
115,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for rice and sorghum farming along the Rima River.

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Koko/Besse
HQ: Koko
175,000
Population

Known for the Koko Port on the River Niger and the 1980s toxic waste dumping controversy.

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Maiyama
HQ: Maiyama
200,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for onions, rice and groundnuts. Important commercial LGA in southern Kebbi.

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Ngaski
HQ: Wara
145,000
Population

Riverine LGA along River Niger, known for fishing and rice farming. Gateway to Sokoto State.

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Sakaba
HQ: Sakaba
175,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam, sorghum and groundnut farming in central Kebbi.

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Shanga
HQ: Shanga
148,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and sorghum farming along the Niger River.

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Suru
HQ: Suru
130,000
Population

Small agricultural LGA known for millet and sorghum farming in northern Kebbi.

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Wasagu/Danko
HQ: Wasagu
168,000
Population

Known for the Wasagu people and millet farming in northern Kebbi State.

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Yauri
HQ: Yauri
232,000
Population

Historic emirate and resort town on Lake Kainji. Known for fishing, tourism and the Yauri emirate.

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Zuru
HQ: Zuru
228,000
Population

Known for the Zuru emirate and tin ore deposits. Growing commercial activities between Kebbi and Niger.

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History of Kebbi State

The history of the land that is today Kebbi State stretches back over a thousand years and is rooted in the rise and fall of some of the most powerful kingdoms in the West African savannah. The dominant pre-Islamic power of the region was the Kebbi Kingdom, founded in the early 16th century by Kanta…
Historical Kingdoms: Kebbi Kingdom, Gwandu Emirate, Argungu Emirate, Yauri Kingdom, Zuru Kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Kebbi →

2026 Appropriation

₦642.9B
Total Budget — Kebbi State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Kebbi State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Kebbi State under Governor Nasir Idris totals ₦642.9B. 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 Kebbi State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →