KANO STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
Centre of Commerce
Overall pSPI Rank:
30th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Satisfactory 2-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Commercial and Historic State
Kano State, known as “The Centre of Commerce”, is one of Nigeria’s most populous states, with about 17 million residents across 44 LGAs and a landmass of 20,131 sq km. The state is located in the northwestern region of the country, it shares borders with Katsina, Jigawa, Bauchi, and Kaduna states.
The state is predominantly Hausa-Fulani but is home to other ethnic groups, including Kanuri, Tiv, Yoruba, and Igbo. While Hausa is the primary language, English is widely spoken in urban areas. Religion plays a key role in the lives of Kano’s people, with Islam being the dominant faith. Mosques serve as places of worship, education, and community gatherings.
Kano’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in traditions, with notable festivals such as the Durbar Festival, which celebrates horse-riding pageantry, and religious celebrations like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The state is also known for its craftsmanship in textiles, leatherworks, and metalwork, particularly in the historic Kurmi Market.
Politics
The Kingmaker of Northern Politics
Kano is one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states, not just because of its population, but also due to its role as a kingmaker in national elections. The state’s political landscape is fiercely competitive, with power shifting between APC and the Kwankwasiyya-led NNPP.
In 2023, Kano made headlines when NNPP’s Abba Kabir Yusuf defeated APC, marking a major political shift. This victory was driven by the immense influence of Rabiu Kwankwaso, whose political movement remains one of the most organised in the country.
However, Kano’s politics is never static. With APC still a formidable force, and PDP trying to regain relevance, the struggle for power in Kano is not over. The next elections will test whether NNPP can sustain its grip or if APC will stage a dramatic comeback.
Economy – A Center for Trade and Commerce
Kano State is one of Nigeria’s leading economic hubs, historically renowned as a centre for trade, agriculture, and manufacturing. Its economy thrives on a strong agricultural base, a vibrant commercial sector, and an industrial presence that spans various industries.
Agriculture is a key driver, with Kano being a top producer of millet, maize, rice, sorghum, cowpea, and groundnuts. The state also has a robust livestock sector, particularly in cattle rearing and leather production. Trade and commerce play a crucial role, with historic markets like Kurmi, Kwari, Sabon Gari, and Rimi Markets serving as major trading hubs, connecting Nigeria with neighboring countries. Kano continues to play a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, maintaining its status as a key centre for agriculture, trade, and industry.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦2,359 |  33rd |
| IGR Per km² | ₦1,995,386 | 16th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦5.7 billion | 15th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦10 billion | 9th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 13% | 21st |
What this means:
The state shows moderate revenue performance, with a strong trade route IGR (9th) and decent resource-based revenue (15th). However, low IGR per capita (33rd) and mid-range revenue independence (21st in IGR to total revenue) highlight a need for broader economic diversification and improved local revenue generation.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Major centre for trade and commerce in West Africa.
Significant agricultural production, including irrigation-supported farming.
Thriving manufacturing sector despite infrastructure challenges.
Weaknesses
Poor ranking in education quality and public services.
Infrastructure deficits, particularly in public transportation and road networks.
High unemployment rates among youths and graduates.
Citizen Satisfaction - The Public Verdict
Residents’ ratings of public services in Kano State:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 20th | 32% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 12th | 26% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 16th | 41% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 25th | 26% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 16th | 33% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 10th | 26% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 16th | 33% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 10th | 15% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programs | 13th | 38% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 17th | 23% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 18th | 30% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 30th | 14% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 31st | 21% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 20th | 37% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 5th | 45% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 16th | 22% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Better infrastructure and economic opportunities
Kaduna State
Proximity and cultural similarities
Jigawa State
Close cultural and economic ties
Lagos State
Economic growth and business opportunities
Kano State
Rising economic growth and commerce opportunities
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Zamfara State
Security concerns
Kano State
Infrastructure and economic challenges
Lagos State
Overpopulation and cost of living
FCT Abuja
High cost of living
Borno State
Exposed to high insecurity
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Kano State displays fairly strong grassroots awareness, though challenges in programme visibility persist
do not know their local government chairman.
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
Improving communication channels and community outreach may enhance local governance effectivenessÂ
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Kano Municipal (30%), Gwale (15%), Nassarawa (12%), Tarauni (10%), Dala (10%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
924 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Education First: Residents call for better public schools, teacher recruitment, and investments in basic educational infrastructure—especially in rural and peri-urban areas.Â
- Youth Employment and Training: Citizens emphasised the need for job creation and empowerment programmes, particularly targeting young graduates and vocational workers.Â
- Better Roads and Transport: There are calls for the rehabilitation of major and feeder roads, as well as more efficient and affordable public transportation options.Â
- Healthcare Access and Affordability: Several responses flagged challenges in accessing quality and affordable healthcare services, urging the government to prioritise hospitals in densely populated LGAs.Â
- Provide Clean Water & Public Utilities: Improve water supply and sanitation services.
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Kano
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Kano urgently needs to:
- Improve Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Performance: With an IGR per capita ranking 33rd nationally, Kano State should focus on enhancing its revenue collection mechanisms by expanding the tax base, formalising informal businesses, and utilising local resources more effectively to boost economic sustainability
- Expand Access to Quality Education and Skills Development: Kano State should scale up investments in public education, especially in underserved communities. Vocational training and digital literacy programmes are essential to address youth unemployment.Â
- Improve Public Health Infrastructure and Staffing: The state needs to invest in the rehabilitation of health facilities and ensure adequate staffing to improve service delivery and reduce pressure on urban hospitals.Â
- Strengthen Security and Community Policing: Citizen feedback reveals safety concerns. State-led efforts to support local security architectures and improve trust between law enforcement and communities will be critical.Â
- Enhance Economic Inclusion and Strengthen Industrialisation: Kano should leverage its trade routes and large population to promote MSMEs through access to financing, market development, and startup incubation. This would strengthen Kano’s position as a commercial hub with better policies and better revenue.
Kano State 2025
remains a major economic and cultural hub in Nigeria, but it faces significant infrastructure and public service challenges. To improve its PSPI ranking, Kano must invest in education, security, and economic opportunities while strengthening governance and accountability. With the right policies and public-sector reforms, Kano can reclaim its position as one of Nigeria’s leading states for commerce and development.