Kaduna State

Kaduna State is an administrative division in northern Nigeria, covering savanna areas with scattered woodland and agricultural land. The Kaduna River flows centrally through the territory, dividing it into northern and southern zones with different vegetation.

The area became a separate unit in 1976, when the British colonial structure of Northern Nigeria was reorganized. Before that it belonged to the larger Northern Region, which had been under British administration since 1900.

In the northern areas you hear Hausa and Fulfulde spoken regularly, while Gbagyi is common in the southern parts. Local markets display the craft traditions of different communities, from woven textiles to pottery and basketry.

The central capital serves as a transport hub with international flights and trains heading south. Travel between the northern and southern parts requires planning due to wide distances and partly unpaved roads.

The name comes from the Hausa word Kaddanni, which refers to crocodiles. These reptiles used to live in the river but are now rarely found in the remote sections.

Location: Nigeria

Inception: 1976

Capital city: Kaduna

Shares border with: Kano State, Bauchi State, Plateau State, Nasarawa State, Federal Capital Territory, Niger State, Zamfara State, Katsina State

Website: https://kdsg.gov.ng

GPS coordinates: 10.33333,7.75000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:06