North West · Capital: Sokoto
Sokoto State
Governor: Ahmed Aliyu
Population
3,702,676
Land area
25,972 km²
Created
March 1976
Governance
Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto (born 1 January 1970) has served as Governor of Sokoto State since 2023. He previously served as Deputy Governor of Sokoto State from 2015 until his resignation in 2018, and worked for years in state finance and audit roles before entering elective politics.
History
Sokoto State was created in 1976 from the division of the North Western State into Sokoto and Niger States; Kebbi State later split off in 1991, and Zamfara in 1996. The city of Sokoto has a far older significance as the historic seat of the Sokoto Caliphate, founded by Usman dan Fodio in 1809, once the largest state in West Africa. Its Sultan remains a leading figure in Nigerian Islam today. Its official 2006 census population was 3,702,676.
Tourism
Known as the 'Seat of the Caliphate,' with deep Islamic historical and religious significance dating to the 19th century.
- Sultan of Sokoto's Palace
- Sokoto Central Market
- Hubbare (Usman dan Fodio's tomb)
Agriculture
Agriculture and livestock rearing employ over 80% of residents; historically a major centre for horse breeding and cattle raising, with rice and cotton cultivation.
Rice · Cotton · Millet · Sorghum
Investment
A 2026 budget of over ₦758 billion emphasizes capital projects (72% of spend), with Wamako LGA as an industrial hub, home to a major BUA Cement plant.
Cement & construction materials · Agriculture · Trans-Saharan trade · Livestock
Infrastructure
Education
Usmanu Danfodiyo University · Sokoto State University