Created from the former Northern Region in 1967. Part of the state was separated in 1991 to create Jigawa State.
Area
20,131 km²
Governor
Abba Kabir Yusuf (NNPP) — since 2023
Nickname
Centre of Commerce
No. of LGAs
44
Kano State, popularly known as the Centre of Commerce, is one of Nigeria's most historically important states and the commercial heart of northern Nigeria. Located in the North West geopolitical zone, Kano has been a major centre of trans-Saharan trade, Islamic scholarship, manufacturing, agriculture, textiles and commerce for centuries.
The state was created on 27 May 1967 from the former Northern Region. Its capital, Kano city, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited major urban centres in West Africa. Kano is also home to the historic Kano Emirate, ancient city walls, Kurmi Market, Gidan Makama Museum, Kofar Mata dye pits and the famous annual Durbar tradition.
Kano State currently has 44 Local Government Areas and covers approximately 20,131 square kilometres. Explore Kano's history, geography, culture, economy, traditional institutions, government, education, tourism and all 44 LGAs.
History of Kano State
Ancient Kano and the Early Hausa Kingdom
The history of Kano reaches back more than a millennium. The ancient settlement developed around Dalla Hill and became one of the important centres of Hausa civilisation. Traditional accounts associate the foundation of the early Kano kingdom with the legendary figure Bagauda, while archaeological and historical evidence points to long-established settlement and iron-working traditions in the region.
Kano's location at the intersection of trade routes helped it grow into an important commercial centre. Merchants connected Kano with communities across Hausaland, the Sahara and West Africa, trading goods such as leather, textiles, grains, livestock, salt and other commodities.
Islam and the Sultanate of Kano
Islam became increasingly influential in Kano from the medieval period. In the fourteenth century, the Kano ruler Yaji I converted to Islam, marking a major transformation in the political and religious development of the kingdom. Islamic scholarship, law, commerce and literacy subsequently became deeply established in Kano society.
By the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Kano had become one of the major Islamic and commercial centres of Hausaland. The opening and development of Kurmi Market further strengthened the city's position as a regional trading centre.
Kano Emirate and the Fulani Jihad
The Fulani jihad of 1804–1808 transformed political authority across much of Hausaland. Kano came under the Sokoto Caliphate system and became one of its most important emirates. Ibrahim Dabo became the first Emir of Kano under the new political order and established the Dabo dynasty.
The Kano Emirate developed an extensive administrative structure and became a major centre of agriculture, trade, scholarship and Islamic governance. Kano's merchants traded widely across West Africa and the Sahara.
British Conquest and Colonial Kano
British forces conquered the Kano Emirate in 1903 as part of the British expansion across northern Nigeria. Kano was incorporated into the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and later the wider colonial administration of Nigeria.
The British retained elements of the existing emirate structure under the policy of indirect rule. The Emir and traditional institutions continued to exercise authority over local affairs, although ultimate political power rested with the colonial administration.
Kano remained an important commercial centre during the colonial period. Groundnuts became particularly important as a cash crop, while leatherworking, dyeing, weaving and other craft industries continued to support the local economy.
Kano from Independence to State Creation
At Nigerian independence in 1960, Kano was part of the Northern Region. Political movements associated with northern Nigeria played a major role in the country's early post-independence politics.
On 27 May 1967, Kano State was created from the former Northern Region during the military administration of General Yakubu Gowon. The new state initially covered a much larger territory than present-day Kano.
Creation of Jigawa State
In 1991, Jigawa State was created from the northeastern part of Kano State. This significantly reduced Kano's territorial size but left the state with Kano city as one of the most important commercial and industrial centres in northern Nigeria.
The creation of Jigawa also changed Kano's administrative geography and contributed to the current configuration of the state.
Modern Kano State
Modern Kano remains a major economic centre in northern Nigeria. Its economy combines large-scale commerce, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock production, leather, textiles, food processing, transportation and services.
Kano city continues to serve as a major trading gateway between southern Nigeria, northern Nigeria and the Sahel. Historic markets such as Kurmi Market, Kantin Kwari Market and Dawanau Market remain important components of the state's commercial identity.
Geography of Kano State
Topography
Kano State occupies about 20,131 km² in northern Nigeria. Much of the state consists of relatively flat to gently undulating Sudan savanna landscapes, although rocky hills and elevated terrain occur in parts of southern Kano, particularly around Doguwa and Karaye.
The terrain supports extensive agriculture and settlement, while irrigation infrastructure has helped agricultural production in areas around major rivers and reservoirs.
Rivers & Waterways
Important water systems include the Kano River, Challawa River and Hadejia River. The Tiga and Challawa Gorge dams are important water infrastructure facilities supporting irrigation, water supply and agricultural development.
Forests & Vegetation
Kano's natural vegetation is primarily Sudan savanna, with grasses, shrubs and scattered trees adapted to relatively dry conditions. Cultivated landscapes occupy substantial parts of the state. Trees such as neem, acacia and other drought-tolerant species are common in many areas.
Climate
Climate type: Tropical savanna
Kano has a hot tropical savanna climate characterised by a long dry season and a shorter rainy season. Rainfall is concentrated mainly between June and September, while the dry season extends through much of the remainder of the year. Harmattan conditions commonly occur between December and February.
Bordering States
Kano State shares boundaries with: Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kaduna.
Culture & People of Kano State
Ethnic Groups
The major ethnic groups in Kano are Hausa and Fulani. The state also has communities of Kanuri, Nupe, Tuareg, Arab and other ethnic groups, particularly in commercial and urban areas.
Languages
Hausa is the dominant language of Kano State. Fulfulde is also spoken among Fulani communities. English is the official language used for formal government and education, while Hausa dominates everyday communication.
Festivals & Celebrations
Major cultural celebrations include the famous Kano Durbar, Eid celebrations, traditional emirate ceremonies, agricultural festivals and Islamic religious events. Durbar features elaborate horse riding, traditional regalia, praise singing and ceremonial displays.
Traditional Food
Popular Kano foods include tuwo shinkafa, tuwo masara, masa, fura da nono, miyan kuka, miyan taushe, danwake, suya, kilishi and various rice, millet and maize dishes.
Traditional Attire
Traditional clothing includes flowing babban riga, kaftans, turbans and embroidered caps for men. Women commonly wear colourful wrappers, veils, hijabs and embroidered garments. Handwoven and embroidered fabrics remain important during weddings, festivals and religious celebrations.
Music & Dance
Traditional music includes drums, flutes, praise singing and ceremonial performances. Horse-riding displays and musical performances are particularly prominent during the Kano Durbar.
Arts & Crafts
Kano has a long craft tradition including leatherworking, textile weaving, dyeing, embroidery, pottery, metalworking, calabash decoration and traditional footwear production. The historic Kofar Mata dye pits remain an important symbol of Kano's textile heritage.
Traditional Rulers of Kano State
Kano Emirate
LGA: Kano Municipal
The Kano Emirate is one of the most important traditional institutions in northern Nigeria. The emirate emerged as part of the Sokoto Caliphate system following the nineteenth-century Fulani jihad and has remained a major centre of traditional authority, Islamic scholarship and culture.
Because of the continuing legal and political disputes surrounding the Kano emirate structure, the current traditional-ruler field is intentionally left NULL in this seed. It should be managed through the administrator panel when your editorial team verifies the current officially recognised holder of the title.
Economy of Kano State
Kano has one of the most diversified economies in northern Nigeria. The state is a major centre for commerce, manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, leather, tanning, food processing and transportation. Kano city's strategic location has historically connected markets across Nigeria and the wider Sahel.
Agriculture
Major agricultural products include millet, sorghum, maize, rice, groundnuts, cowpeas, cotton, sesame, soybeans, garlic, chilli pepper and other crops. Kano also has substantial livestock production and is an important market for cattle, sheep and goats.
Natural Resources
Natural and mineral resources reported in Kano include cassiterite, copper, gemstones, glass sand, lead, zinc and tantalite. The state also has extensive agricultural resources and clay, sand and stone used in construction.
Industries
Kano is one of northern Nigeria's leading industrial centres. Major industries include textiles, leather and tanning, footwear, plastics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ceramics, furniture, food processing, beverages, vegetable oil, animal feed and agricultural equipment.
Commerce & Trade
Kano city is a major commercial hub. Important markets include Kurmi Market, Kantin Kwari Market, Dawanau Market, Sabon Gari Market, Kofar Wanbai Market, Galadima Market and Yankura Market. Dawanau is especially important for agricultural commodities and grains, while Kantin Kwari is famous for textiles.
Government of Kano State
Since its creation, Kano State has been governed by the following:
#
Name
Party
Period
Note
1
Audu Bako
1967 — 1975
Military Governor of Kano State during the early years after state creation.
2
Abba Yusuf
APC
2023 — Present
3
Sani Bello
1975 — 1978
Military Governor during the military administration of the 1970s.
4
Hussaini Abdullahi
1978 — 1979
Military Governor before the return to civilian government.
5
Muhammad Goni
1979 — 1983
Civilian Governor of Kano State during the Second Republic.
6
Sabo Bakin Zuwo
1983 — 1983
Briefly served as Governor before the December 1983 military takeover.
7
Hamza Abdullahi
1984 — 1985
Military Governor of Kano State.
8
Abubakar Umar
1985 — 1988
Military Governor during the Babangida administration.
9
Ahmed Usman
1988 — 1992
Military Governor of Kano State.
10
Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya
NRC
1992 — 1993
Elected Governor during the Third Republic transition.
11
Mohammed Aminu-Kano
1993 — 1993
Military Administrator during the transition period.
12
Musa Abdullahi Sali
1993 — 1995
Military Administrator of Kano State.
13
Mohammed Abdullahi Wase
1995 — 1996
Military Administrator before the creation of Jigawa-era administrative restructuring.
14
Rasheed Shekoni
1996 — 1999
Military Administrator during the final years of military rule.
15
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
PDP
1999 — 2003
First elected Governor of Kano State in the Fourth Republic.
16
Ibrahim Shekarau
ANPP
2003 — 2011
Governor of Kano State for two consecutive terms.
17
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
PDP
2011 — 2015
Returned as Governor for a second non-consecutive tenure.
18
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
APC
2015 — 2023
Governor of Kano State for two consecutive terms.
19
Abba Kabir Yusuf
NNPP
2023 — Present
Incumbent Governor of Kano State, sworn into office on 29 May 2023.
Bayero University KanoFederal
— Est. 1977 — Kano Municipal LGA
Northwest University KanoState
— Est. 2012 — Kano Municipal LGA
Kano University of Science and TechnologyState
— Est. 2001 — Wudil LGA
Nigeria Police AcademyFederal
— Est. 2011 — Wudil LGA
Skyline University NigeriaPrivate
— Est. 2018 — Kano Municipal LGA
Kano State PolytechnicState
— Kano Municipal LGA
Landmarks & Tourist Attractions in Kano State
Ancient Kano City Walls
Kano Municipal LGA
The ancient Kano city walls are among the most important surviving physical reminders of Kano's historic urban development. The defensive system protected the old city and its commercial institutions.
Gidan Makama Museum
Kano Municipal LGA
Gidan Makama Museum preserves important objects, clothing, weapons, manuscripts and cultural materials associated with Kano's history and Hausa civilisation.
Gidan Rumfa
Kano Municipal LGA
Gidan Rumfa, associated with the Emir's Palace, is one of Kano's most significant historic sites and a symbol of the city's traditional political authority.
Kurmi Market
Kano Municipal LGA
Kurmi Market is one of Kano's oldest commercial institutions. Established in the fifteenth century, the market became an important centre for long-distance trade.
Kofar Mata Dye Pits
Kano Municipal LGA
The Kofar Mata dye pits represent Kano's centuries-old indigo dyeing tradition. Artisans continue to use traditional techniques to dye textiles.
Dala Hill
Dala LGA
Dala Hill is one of the most historically important geographical features in Kano. Traditional accounts connect the hill to the early development of Kano city.
Gwauron Dutse
Dala LGA
Gwauron Dutse is a prominent rocky landmark associated with the historic Kano landscape.
Kano Zoological Garden
Kano Municipal LGA
Kano Zoo is a recreational and educational attraction containing animal species and green spaces within the Kano metropolitan area.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
(1961)
— Economist, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Emir of Kano.
Politics & Government
Aminu Kano
(1920–1983)
— Prominent Nigerian politician, teacher and nationalist who became one of the leading voices for progressive northern Nigerian politics.
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso
(1956)
— Former Governor of Kano State and former Minister of Defence.
Ibrahim Shekarau
(1955)
— Former Governor of Kano State and former Minister of Education.
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
(1949)
— Former Governor of Kano State and former Deputy Governor of the state.
Abba Kabir Yusuf
(1963)
— Governor of Kano State since May 2023.
Business
Aliko Dangote
(1957)
— Nigerian business magnate and founder of the Dangote Group, born in Kano.
Aminu Dantata
(1931)
— Prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist from Kano.
Abdul Samad Rabiu
(1960)
— Nigerian industrialist and founder of BUA Group, born in Kano.
Military
Murtala Mohammed
(1938–1976)
— Former Nigerian Head of State and military leader.
Sani Abacha
(1943–1998)
— Former Nigerian military Head of State from 1993 to 1998.
Entertainment
Nura M Inuwa
— Popular Hausa-language musician associated with the Kannywood and northern Nigerian entertainment industry.
Kano State was created on 27 May 1967 from the former Northern Region.
Kano State covers approximately 20,131 square kilometres.
Kano State has 44 Local Government Areas.
Kano city is the capital of Kano State.
Kano is widely known as the Centre of Commerce.
The 2006 census recorded 9,401,288 people in Kano State.
A published 2022 projection placed Kano State population at 15,462,200.
The 2026 LGA population figures in this database are modelled estimates rather than an official census.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kano State
What is Kano State known for?
Kano State is known for commerce, manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, leather and tanning, Islamic scholarship, traditional institutions, the Kano Durbar, Kurmi Market, ancient city walls and its historic role in trans-Saharan trade.
What is the capital of Kano State?
The capital of Kano State is Kano city. Kano is the administrative, commercial and historical centre of the state.
When was Kano State created?
Kano State was created on 27 May 1967 from the former Northern Region of Nigeria.
Who is the current Governor of Kano State?
Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is the Governor of Kano State. He assumed office on 29 May 2023.
How many LGAs are in Kano State?
Kano State has 44 Local Government Areas.
What is the population of Kano State in 2026?
There is no official 2026 census figure for Kano State. For this database, the 2026 figure is presented as a modelled estimate based on available historical and published projection data. The resulting state estimate is approximately 17.51 million people.
What is the land area of Kano State?
Kano State covers approximately 20,131 square kilometres.
What ethnic groups live in Kano State?
Hausa and Fulani are the major ethnic groups in Kano State. Other communities include Kanuri, Nupe, Tuareg, Arab and other Nigerian ethnic groups.
