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Sokoto

“Seat of the Caliphate”

Capital Sokoto
Zone North West
LGAs 24
Population 5,200,000
2026 Budget ₦758.7B

About Sokoto

Sokoto State is located in the extreme north-western part of Nigeria and is historically known as the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate. It remains one of the most important centres of Islamic scholarship and culture in West Africa.
Historical Background
The land that is today Sokoto State stands at the heart of one of the most consequential pre-colonial political formations in African history. Long before the 19th-century Islamic revolution that defined the region's modern identity, the area was home to several competing Hausa k… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Sokoto

Official nameSokoto
Capital city Sokoto
Slogan / MottoSeat of the Caliphate
Geo-political zone North West
Local govt areas 24 LGAs →
Population (census) 5,200,000
Population density 201 / km²
Total area 25,873 km²
First governor Colonel Sani Abacha (Administrator); Colonel Usman Faruk (first Military Governor)
2026 budget ₦758.7B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Sokoto

The capital city of Sokoto State is Sokoto. It is the seat of the Sokoto State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Sokoto State has 24 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, Sokoto State has a population of 5,200,000. The state capital Sokoto is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 201 persons per km².
Sokoto 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.
Sokoto State was created in 1976. The first governor was Colonel Sani Abacha (Administrator); Colonel Usman Faruk (first Military Governor). Learn more on the Sokoto State History page.
The Sokoto State budget for 2026 is ₦758.7B. See the full breakdown on the Sokoto State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Sokoto State covers a total land area of 25,873 km². With a population density of 201 people per km².

Economy of Sokoto

The economy of Sokoto State is largely based on agriculture, livestock rearing, and small-scale trading. Key products include millet, maize, beans, onions, and livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep. The state also has growing potential in irrigation farming due to the River Rima.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 5 million people. The state is predominantly Hausa-Fulani with Islam as the dominant religion, shaping much of its social and cultural life.
5,200,000
Population
25,873
Area km²
201
Per km²
24
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Sokoto

Sokoto is rich in Islamic heritage and historical sites. Major attractions include the Sultan’s Palace, Sokoto Museum, and ancient mosques. The state is also known for traditional festivals and scholarly gatherings.

Local Government Areas in Sokoto

24 LGAs

Binji
HQ: Binji
125,000
Population

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

Bodinga
HQ: Bodinga
150,000
Population

Known for the Bodinga people and groundnut farming. Agricultural LGA in central Sokoto.

Dange-Shuni
HQ: Dange
165,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and cotton farming. Important agricultural LGA in eastern Sokoto.

Gada
HQ: Gada
138,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet, sorghum and livestock rearing in northern Sokoto.

Goronyo
HQ: Goronyo
140,000
Population

Known for the Goronyo Dam and irrigation farming. Onion and tomato cultivation are major activities.

Gudu
HQ: Gwadabawa
130,000
Population

Northern Sokoto LGA known for millet and cattle rearing near the Niger Republic border.

Gwadabawa
HQ: Gwadabawa
215,000
Population

Known for groundnuts and livestock. Important commercial LGA near Niger Republic.

Illela
HQ: Illela
235,000
Population

Major commercial LGA near Niger border. Known for cross-border trade, livestock and groundnuts.

Isa
HQ: Isa
148,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming in northern Sokoto State.

Kebbe
HQ: Kebbe
118,000
Population

Riverine LGA along the River Sokoto, known for fishing and sorghum farming.

Kware
HQ: Kware
128,000
Population

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

Rabah
HQ: Rabah
185,000
Population

Known for the Rabah people and groundnut farming. Agricultural LGA in central Sokoto.

Sabon Birni
HQ: Sabon Birni
270,000
Population

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

Shagari
HQ: Shagari
138,000
Population

Birthplace of former President Shehu Shagari. Known for groundnuts and millet farming.

Silame
HQ: Silame
138,000
Population

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

Sokoto North
HQ: Sokoto
400,000
Population

Northern Sokoto city, home to the Sultans palace, Sokoto State University and major institutions.

Sokoto South
HQ: Sokoto
380,000
Population

Southern Sokoto, known for the commercial district and growing residential areas of Sokoto city.

Tambuwal
HQ: Tambuwal
200,000
Population

Known for the Tambuwal people and groundnut farming. Important commercial LGA in eastern Sokoto.

Tangaza
HQ: Tangaza
148,000
Population

Northern Sokoto LGA near Niger border, known for livestock and millet farming.

Tureta
HQ: Tureta
110,000
Population

Small agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming in eastern Sokoto.

Wamako
HQ: Wamako
175,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA adjacent to Sokoto city, known for growing residential and commercial activities.

Wangara
HQ: Wangara
125,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming in eastern Sokoto State.

Wurno
HQ: Wurno
195,000
Population

Known for the Wurno people and groundnut, millet farming. Important LGA near the Rima River.

Yabo
HQ: Yabo
150,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet farming in eastern Sokoto State.

History of Sokoto State

The land that is today Sokoto State stands at the heart of one of the most consequential pre-colonial political formations in African history. Long before the 19th-century Islamic revolution that defined the region's modern identity, the area was home to several competing Hausa kingdoms. The most po…
Historical Kingdoms: Sokoto Caliphate, Kebbi Kingdom, Zamfara Emirate, Gobir Kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Sokoto →

2026 Appropriation

₦758.7B
Total Budget — Sokoto State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Sokoto State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Sokoto State under Governor Ahmed Aliyu totals ₦758.7B. 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 Sokoto State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →