Capital of Kebbi State — Birnin Kebbi

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 Muhammad (also known as Kanta the Great), a former general of the Songhai Empire who broke away aft

First governor: Colonel Abubakar Umar

Read full Kebbi State history →

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.

As capital, Birnin Kebbi concentrates civil service employment and administrative services that support the wider Kebbi economy.

Birnin Kebbi is the political and administrative centre of Kebbi State in Nigeria’s North West zone. Government House, the State House of Assembly and core ministries are based here.

Kebbi State, known as “Land of Equity”, relies on Birnin Kebbi as its primary seat of government.

For census totals, growth rates and LGA breakdowns, use the dedicated Kebbi population page — this capital page focuses on the seat of government, not state-wide demographics.