Yobe

“Pride of the Sahel”

Capital Damaturu

Zone North East

LGAs 17

Population 3,300,000

2026 Budget ₦515.5B

🏠 17 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Yobe

Yobe State is located in North-Eastern Nigeria and was created in 1991 from the old Borno State. It is known for its vast arid land, agricultural activities, and strong cultural heritage of the Kanuri and Fulani people.

Historical Background
The territory that today forms Yobe State lies in the heart of the Lake Chad basin, one of the oldest zones of human civilisation in sub-Saharan Africa. Archaeological evidence from the region indicates continuous human settlement stretching back several millennia, sustained by t… Read full history →

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Quick Facts — Yobe

Official name	Yobe
Capital city	Damaturu
Slogan / Motto	Pride of the Sahel
Geo-political zone	North East
Local govt areas	17 LGAs →
Population (census)	3,300,000
Population density	73 / km²
Total area	45,502 km²
First governor	Colonel Jibril Umar
2026 budget	₦515.5B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Yobe

What is the capital of Yobe State?

The capital city of Yobe State is Damaturu. It is the seat of the Yobe State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.

How many local government areas are in Yobe State?

Yobe State has 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.

What is the population of Yobe State?

According to the National Population Commission, Yobe State has a population of 3,300,000. The state capital Damaturu is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 73 persons per km².

Which geopolitical zone is Yobe State in?

Yobe State is in the North East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.

When was Yobe State created?

Yobe State was created in 1991. The first governor was Colonel Jibril Umar. Learn more on the Yobe State History page.

What is the budget of Yobe State?

The Yobe State budget for 2026 is ₦515.5B. See the full breakdown on the Yobe State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.

What is the total area of Yobe State?

Yobe State covers a total land area of 45,502 km². With a population density of 73 people per km².

Government Structure

Yobe State is governed by an Executive Governor and a State House of Assembly. The government focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, education, and security due to past insurgency challenges in the region.

Current Officials

Idris Yakubu

Commissioner for Finance

Minister of Police Affairs

APC

Since 2023

Chiroma Bukar Ajimi

State Assembly Speaker

APC

Since 2023

👤 View Full Yobe Officials Directory →

Economy of Yobe

The economy of Yobe State is largely driven by agriculture, livestock rearing, and small-scale trading. Major products include millet, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, and livestock farming.

📄 View Full 2026 Budget (₦515.5B) →

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 4 million people. The state is predominantly inhabited by Kanuri, Fulani, and Hausa ethnic groups with Islam as the dominant religion.

3,300,000

Population

45,502

Area km²

Per km²

LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Yobe

Yobe State is rich in cultural heritage with traditional festivals, Islamic scholarship centers, and historic towns such as Potiskum, Nguru, and Damaturu. It also features desert landscapes and Sahel vegetation.

Local Government Areas in Yobe

17 LGAs

Yobe

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Explore Yobe State

Quick Facts — Yobe

Frequently Asked Questions — Yobe

Government Structure

Current Officials

Economy of Yobe

Demographics & Geography

Culture & Tourism in Yobe

Local Government Areas in Yobe

History of Yobe State

2026 Appropriation

Yobe State Budget 2026

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About Yobe