North West Nigeria

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The North West is a region of Nigeria. It is native homeland of Hausa people with the second largest tribe being Fulani. It is composed of the following states: Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State, and Zamfara State.

Regions

Jigawa State

Kaduna State

Kano State

Katsina State

Kebbi State

Sokoto State

Zamfara State

Cities

• 1 Birnin Kebbi — capital of Kebbi State
• 2 Daura — the historical mother-city state of the Hausas
• 3 Dutse — capital of Jigawa State
• 4 Gusau — capital of Zamfara State
• 5 Kaduna — commercial centre, possessing an oil refinery, and the capital of Kaduna State
• 6 Kafanchan — economic capital of Southern Kaduna, beautiful waterfall, railway graveyard
• 7 Kano — an ancient trading city with surprisingly many attractions to visit, and capital of Kano State
• 8 Katsina — the centre of an agricultural region producing groundnuts, cotton, hides, millet and guinea corn, and capital of Katsina State
• 9 Sokoto — an important seat of Islamic learning in Nigeria, and capital of Sokoto State
• 10 Wudil — a town known for its agricultural activities, including farming and fishing
• 11 Zaria — hosts Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), one of the oldest and most respected tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Other destinations

• 1 Kamuku National Park — A park in Kaduna State known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
  • Kwiambana Game Reserve — adjacent to the national park
• 2 Matsirga Waterfalls

Understand

Northwest Nigeria comprises seven states: Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The region features diverse landscapes, including the Sahel savanna and fertile plains. It has a tropical savanna climate with a rainy season from May to September and dry Harmattan winds.

The Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups dominate, with Islam as the primary religion. The region is known for vibrant cultural festivals like the Durbar. Agriculture, particularly millet, sorghum, and livestock farming, is key to the economy.

Historically, the Sokoto Caliphate was a major Islamic state. Today, urban centers like Kano and Kaduna contrast with rural areas facing development challenges, with ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and security.

Get in

By air

Northwest Nigeria is well connected by air, with major airports in cities like Kano (Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport), Sokoto (Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport), and Kaduna (Kaduna International Airport). Domestic airlines offer frequent flights from Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other major cities.

By road

Buses and cars are popular means of transport. Major highways such as the A2 and A3 connect Northwest Nigeria to other parts of the country. It's advisable to use reputable transport companies for safety reasons.

By train

The Nigerian Railway Corporation operates train services connecting Lagos to Kano, passing through several northern cities. This can be a scenic and affordable way to travel

Get around

By car

Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring Northwest Nigeria. Roads vary in quality, so a 4x4 vehicle might be necessary for more remote areas. GPS and a good map are essential.

By public transport

Public buses and taxis are widely available. Shared taxis (known as 'drop') are common for intercity travel, while minibuses ('danfo') operate within cities.

By motorcycle

Motorcycle taxis, known as 'okada,' are a popular way to navigate crowded urban areas. Be sure to agree on a fare before the ride.

See

• Kano City Walls and Gates are ancient walls built to protect the city of Kano, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

• The Emir's Palace in Kano is a beautiful architectural site and the seat of the Emir of Kano, showcasing traditional Hausa architecture.

• Gidan Makama Museum in Kano is museum with exhibits on the history of Kano and the Hausa people.

• Gobarau Minaret in Katsina is an ancient minaret dating back to the 15th century, one of the tallest mud structures in West Africa.

• Kwiambana Ruins are historical ruins in Zamfara State, providing insight into early settlement in the area.