Kebbi is one of the 36 states in Nigeria with a unique historical background. Kebbi State was created on August 27, 1991, under the government of General Ibrahim Babangida, who was Nigeria’s military Head of State at the time. Babangida established the state from a split part of Sokoto, which is the parent state.
The state capital is Birnin Kebbi, which is also the largest city in Kebbi. It is nicknamed The Land of Equity. Kebbi has a NIPOST postal code of 860001, representing the central postcode.
In this guide, you’ll explore Kebbi State’s geopolitical location, landmass, population, languages, climate, occupation, local government areas (LGAs), present and former governors, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Location
Kebbi is located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, sharing an international border with Benin Republic (for 103 km) to the west and Niger Republic (for 207 km) to the north. The local boundaries are:
- Zamfara and Sokoto states to the east
- Niger State to the south
Kebbi also borders Sokoto State to the northeast. On the map, its coordinates are 11°30′N 4°00′E.
Land Area
Out of the 36 states in Nigeria, Kebbi is the 10th largest by land area, covering 36,800 square kilometers (14,200 square miles). In other words, it occupies 3.98% of Nigeria’s total landmass.
Population Size
The 2006 Nigerian census ranked Kebbi as the 17th most populous state in the country, with a population of 3,256,541. However, a 2022 estimate places Kebbi in the 22nd position, with a population of 5,563,900.
Topography
Kebbi State features diverse geographical landscapes, including rocky terrains, rivers, and flat plains. The southern part of the state is generally rocky and is traversed by the River Niger, which flows from the state capital through the Ngaski Local Government Area.
In the northern part of the state, the terrain is mostly sandy, with the Rima River, which empties into the Niger River.
Vegetation
Kebbi State has a tropical savannah climate, with vegetation shared between the Sahel Savannah and Sudan Savannah.
- A vast portion of the state falls under Sahel vegetation, characterized by a long dry season and shorter rainfall periods.
- The Sudan Savannah vegetation, on the other hand, experiences a moderate wet climate with a longer rainy season.
Notably, Kebbi State is more covered by Sahel vegetation than Sudan vegetation.
Kebbi Climate
Kebbi experiences diverse weather conditions with distinct dry and rainy seasons, including the harmattan, which occurs from late November into the early months of the following year.
- Rainfall: The rainy season typically begins earlier in the southern part of the state, around April, while in the north, it usually starts in June. The wet season lasts from April to September, with an average annual rainfall of 889 mm.
- Temperature: During the dry season, the average yearly temperature is around 80°F, and the dry months last up to 6.5 months. From October to April which is the dry season period.
- Coolest Period: Between July and September, Kebbi experiences its coolest days, with temperatures usually below 90.9°F.
- Coldest Month: January is the coldest month, with a mean low temperature of (66° and a high of 97°) Fahrenheit.
- Cloud Cover: Kebbi, especially Birnin Kebbi, is usually cloudy from March to November. Cloud cover gradually decreases from November onward, making January the clearest month. May is typically the cloudiest month of the year.
- Humidity: Humidity levels are relatively high from April to November, peaking in August, which can cause discomfort due to mugginess.
Best Time for Outdoor Activities
The best time for outdoor activities in kebbi state, such as touring and social outings, is from December to late January, when temperatures are cooler and cloud cover is minimal.
The People of Kebbi
Kebbi State is home to a rich linguistic and cultural diversity, with over 25 languages spoken across different communities. While English is the official language, Hausa serves as the common lingua franca among the people. Other languages spoken in Kebbi include:
| S/N | Language |
| 1 | Dendi |
| 2 | Zarma |
| 3 | Bisã |
| 4 | Boko |
| 5 | Kyenga |
| 6 | C’Lela |
| 7 | Us-Saare |
| 8 | Gibanawa |
| 9 | Cishingini |
| 10 | Lopa |
| 11 | Tsikimba |
| 12 | Tsishingini |
| 13 | Tsucuba |
| 14 | Tsuvadi |
| 15 | Cicipu |
| 16 | Damakawa |
| 17 | Ut-Ma’in |
| 18 | Shanga |
| 19 | Gwamhi-Wuri |
| 20 | Reshe |
| 21 | Fulfulde |
| 22 | Ut-Hun |
| 23 | Sorko |
This linguistic variation reflects the multi-ethnic composition of the state, with different tribes/communities preserving their unique traditions, dialects, and cultural heritage.
Occupation in Kebbi State
Agriculture is the dominant occupation in Kebbi State, with a significant portion of the workforce engaged in farming. The state is renowned for its large-scale production of cash crops.
Key crops grown in the region include:
- Cowpeas
- Groundnuts
- Cotton
- Gum Arabic
These crops are largely sold to neighboring states and other regions of Nigeria. Additionally, animal hides are produced in substantial quantities.
Notably, rice farming is widespread and plays a vital role in the local economy, making Kebbi one of Nigeria’s major rice-producing states.
Kebbi Local Government Areas
The state is divided into 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs):
| S/N | Local Government Area |
| 1 | Aleiro |
| 2 | Arewa Dandi |
| 3 | Argungu |
| 4 | Augie |
| 5 | Bagudo |
| 6 | Birnin Kebbi |
| 7 | Bunza |
| 8 | Dandi |
| 9 | Fakai |
| 10 | Gwandu |
| 11 | Jega |
| 12 | Kalgo |
| 13 | Koko/Besse |
| 14 | Maiyama |
| 15 | Ngaski |
| 16 | Sakaba |
| 17 | Shanga |
| 18 | Suru |
| 19 | Wasagu |
| 20 | Yauri |
| 21 | Zuru |
List of all Governors of Kebbi
This table contains the names, year in office and title of both former and present governors of Kebbi state, Nigeria.
| Name | Term Duration | Administrator/ Governor |
| Patrick Aziza | Aug 1991 – Jan 1992 | Admin. |
| Abubakar Musa | Jan 1992 – Nov 1993 | Governor |
| Salihu T. Bello | Dec 1993 – Aug 1996 | Admin. |
| John Ubah | Aug 1996 – Aug 1998 | Admin. |
| Samaila B. Chamah | Aug 1998 – May 1999 | Admin. |
| Adamu Aliero | May 1999 – May 2007 | Gov. |
| Usman S. N. Dakingari | May 2007 – May 2015 | Gov. |
| Aminu M. H. Jega | Feb 2012 – May 2012 | Acting Gov. |
| Abubakar A. Bagudu | May 2015 – May 2023 | Gov. |
| Nasir Idris | May 2023 – present governor | Gov. |
Who was the first governor of Kebbi State?
On the creation of Kebbi in 1991 from part of the current Sokoto State, Patrick Aziza was posted to the state as military governor on May 28. He handed over to Abubakar Musa after four months and a few days in 1992, as Nigeria transitioned into the Third Republic and civilian rule.
Patrick Aziza was born on December 23, 1947 to Urhobo parent. After completing his preliminary education, he was enlisted in the Nigerian Defense Academy, where he graduated in 1970. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant and, due to his active service, attained the rank of captain within a year, in 1971. Patrick held several commander ranks before his compulsory retirement from the military as directed by Olusegun Obasanjo, the then-democratic president. He left the military as a major.
Aziza, who was once the Minister of Communication during General Sani Abacha’s regime, passed away at the age of 67 on August 14, 2014, in Abuja, due to cancer-related illness.
The progress and history of Kebbi State cannot be complete without mentioning the first-ever governor to rule the state.
Who is the governor of Kebbi?
The 10th governor of Kebbi is Mohammed Nasir Idris, who is also the current governor of the state. He won the supplementary election on April 15, following the cancellation of the initial election held on March 18, 2023, due to inconclusive results. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced Idris as the winner of the gubernatorial election. Nasir, of the APC, secured a total of 409,225 votes, defeating his main rival, PDP candidate General Aminu Bands, who garnered 360,940 votes.
Nasir Idris was born on August 6, 1965, in Birnin Kebbi, the capital city of the state. He began his educational journey at the Birnin Kebbi Polytechnic, where he studied from 1994 to 2003. He then moved to Sokoto, where he obtained an MBA from Usman Danfodiyo University (2006-2009). Nasir later pursued a PhD in education, which helped him gain an edge.
Idris was elected as the president of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and also served as the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in 2018.
However, on winning the election in 2023, he made several promises, including improving the state’s educational sector, the welfare of teachers, and the overall development of the state.
On the family front, he is happily married to Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, the First Lady of Kebbi.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Capital of Kebbi State?
- The capital city is Birnin Kebbi.
How Many Local Government Areas Are in Kebbi State?
- The state is divided into 21 local government areas.
Who Is the Current Governor of Kebbi State?
- Mohammed Nasir Idris is the executive governor, while Yahaya Abdullahi serves as the deputy governor.
How Many Hours from Abuja to Kebbi State?
- The travel time from Abuja to Kebbi depends on the mode of transportation. By road, the journey takes approximately nine hours, barring any external delays. By air, a flight takes about one hour.
