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Kwara

“State of Harmony”

Capital Ilorin
Zone North Central
LGAs 16
Population 3,800,000
2026 Budget ₦656.6B
🏠 16 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Kwara

Kwara State is located in the North-Central region of Nigeria and is often referred to as the "Gateway State" due to its strategic position between the northern and southern parts of the country. Its capital is Ilorin, a city known for its peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity.
Historical Background
The territory that comprises present-day Kwara State was home to several distinct civilisations long before the arrival of European colonisers. The region sits at the convergence of Yoruba, Nupe, Baruten (Borgu) and Fulani cultures, making it one of the most ethnically and histor… Read full history →

Explore Kwara State

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16 LGAs
Local Govts
📄
State Budget
2026: ₦656.6B
🕐
State History
Created 1967
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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 — Kwara

Official nameKwara
Capital city Ilorin
Slogan / MottoState of Harmony
Geo-political zone North Central
Local govt areas 16 LGAs →
Population (census) 3,800,000
Population density 103 / km²
Total area 36,825 km²
First governor Colonel David Bamigboye
2026 budget ₦656.6B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Kwara

The capital city of Kwara State is Ilorin. It is the seat of the Kwara State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Kwara State has 16 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, Kwara State has a population of 3,800,000. The state capital Ilorin is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 103 persons per km².
Kwara State is in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Kwara State was created in 1967. The first governor was Colonel David Bamigboye. Learn more on the Kwara State History page.
The Kwara State budget for 2026 is ₦656.6B. See the full breakdown on the Kwara State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Kwara State covers a total land area of 36,825 km². With a population density of 103 people per km².

Economy of Kwara

The economy of Kwara State is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and trade. Key agricultural products include rice, maize, cassava, and sugarcane. The state also benefits from livestock farming and growing industrial investments in Ilorin.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 3 million people. The state is ethnically diverse with major groups including Yoruba, Fulani, Nupe, and Bariba communities.
3,800,000
Population
36,825
Area km²
103
Per km²
16
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Kwara

Kwara State is rich in cultural heritage and tourism attractions such as Esie Museum (home to thousands of soapstone figures), Owu Waterfalls, Sobi Hills, and the annual Durbar Festival in Ilorin. The state is also known for its Islamic cultural influence and peaceful environment.

Local Government Areas in Kwara

16 LGAs

Asa
HQ: Afon
144,000
Population

Known for the Asa people and yam, sorghum farming. Agricultural LGA southwest of Ilorin.

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Baruten
HQ: Kosubosu
161,000
Population

Known for the Baruten (Borgu) people and hunting. Important cultural LGA in northern Kwara.

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Edu
HQ: Lafiagi
178,000
Population

Known for the Lafiagi emirate and yam, rice farming along the River Niger communities.

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Ekiti Kwara
HQ: Ijan-Ekiti
119,000
Population

Known for the Ekiti-speaking Kwara people and yam farming. Cultural LGA in southern Kwara.

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Ifelodun
HQ: Share
165,000
Population

Known for the Ifelodun people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in central Kwara.

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Ilorin East
HQ: Ilorin
342,000
Population

Eastern Ilorin metropolis, home to University of Ilorin and major educational institutions.

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Ilorin South
HQ: Ilorin
325,000
Population

Southern Ilorin, known for the Ilorin emirate palace, markets and growing commercial activities.

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Ilorin West
HQ: Ilorin
650,000
Population

Western Ilorin, the Kwara State capital area. Home to Government House, banks and commercial district.

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Irepodun
HQ: Omu-Aran
172,000
Population

Known for the Irepodun Yoruba people and yam farming. Important LGA in southern Kwara.

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Isin
HQ: Oke-Onigbin
122,000
Population

Known for the Isin people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in southern Kwara State.

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Kaiama
HQ: Kaiama
145,000
Population

Known for the Baruten people, hunting and the Kaiama traditional festival.

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Moro
HQ: Shao
178,000
Population

Known for the Jebba hydro dam and River Niger. Gateway between Kwara and Niger States.

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Offa
HQ: Offa
175,000
Population

Known for the Offatedo kingdom and commercial activities. Gateway between Kwara and Osun States.

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Oke Ero
HQ: Ijan-Ekiti
110,000
Population

Known for the Oke Ero people and yam farming. Small LGA in southern Kwara.

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Oyun
HQ: Ijagbo
158,000
Population

Known for the Oyun people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA between Ilorin and Osun States.

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Pategi
HQ: Pategi
112,000
Population

Known for the Pategi emirate and River Niger fishing. Historic LGA in northern Kwara.

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History of Kwara State

The territory that comprises present-day Kwara State was home to several distinct civilisations long before the arrival of European colonisers. The region sits at the convergence of Yoruba, Nupe, Baruten (Borgu) and Fulani cultures, making it one of the most ethnically and historically layered areas…
Historical Kingdoms: Ilorin Emirate, Oyo Empire, Nupe Kingdom, Igbomina chieftaincies, Borgu Kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Kwara →

2026 Appropriation

₦656.6B
Total Budget — Kwara State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Kwara State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Kwara State under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq totals ₦656.6B. 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 Kwara State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →