North West
Kaduna State
Capital: Kaduna · Created 1976 · ≈9.0 million · Area 46,053 km²
Population
≈9.0 million
Size
46,053 km²
Capital
Kaduna
Year created
1976
Geopolitical zone
North West
Languages
Hausa · English · Gbagyi · Atyap · Bajju · 60+ languages
Ethnic groups
- Hausa-Fulani
- Atyap (Kataf)
- Bajju
- Gbagyi
- Ham
- Kaje
- Ninzo
Natural resources
- Gold
- Iron ore
- Kaolin
- Nickel
- Manganese
- Marble
- Silica sand
Signature foods
- Tuwo shinkafa with miyan kuka
- Kilishi
- Suya
- Tsire
- Masa (rice pancakes)
Notable people
- Sir Ahmadu Bello (Premier of Northern Region)
- Balarabe Musa (former governor)
- Nasir El-Rufai (former governor)
- Bishop Kukah (Catholic bishop, commentator)
Culture, values & festivals
- Emirate of Zazzau (Zaria) — one of the oldest Hausa city-states
- Diverse Middle-Belt Christian traditions in the south
- Nigerian Defence Academy — historic officer training
Top places to visit in Kaduna
- 1
Kajuru Castle
German-style castle on a hilltop with panoramic views.
- 2
Ancient Zaria City & Emir's Palace
500+ year-old walled city with Friday mosque.
- 3
Kamuku National Park
Wildlife reserve with hartebeest, roan antelope, and hippos.
- 4
Matsirga Waterfalls
Cascading falls in Kafanchan.
- 5
Nok Culture Site
Home of the ancient Nok terracotta civilisation (500 BCE – 200 CE).
About the North West
Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa. Hausa-Fulani heartland; Africa's largest inland cities.