Are you searching for the top 5 richest states in Hausa land in 2025? You’re not alone. With the North playing a vital role in Nigeria’s economy through agriculture, trade, and human capital, many are curious about which Hausa-majority states are leading in terms of revenue and growth.
This 2025 update ranks the richest Hausa states based on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), commercial activities, natural resources, industrial output, and infrastructure development. Whether you're a business analyst, policy researcher, or just curious, this guide gives you an accurate, detailed breakdown.
What Is Hausa Land?
Hausa land refers to the northern region of Nigeria dominated by the Hausa ethnic group. The Hausa people are spread across multiple states but are culturally and linguistically united.
Core Hausa states include:
Kano
Kaduna
Katsina
Sokoto
Jigawa
Zamfara
Kebbi
Bauchi
Gombe
Yobe
This article focuses on Hausa-dominated states and ranks them by current economic strength.
Ranking Criteria for the Richest Hausa States
To rank the top richest states in Hausa land in 2025, we looked at:
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
Economic productivity (trade, farming, services)
Infrastructure projects (roads, markets, factories)
Urban development and investment inflow
Population size and workforce strength
1. Kano State – The Commercial Capital of Northern Nigeria
Why Kano Leads the Richest Hausa States in 2025:
Kano is the most industrialized and populous northern state. With centuries of trade history, Kano remains a major commercial hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
Key Highlights:
IGR (2025): ₦70 billion+
Main Cities: Kano, Wudil, Gaya
Economic Activities: Trade, leather, textiles, manufacturing, transportation
Markets: Sabon Gari, Dawanau, Kantin Kwari (West Africa’s largest textile market)
Development Projects:
Kano Dry Port
Inland Cargo Rail Terminal
Modern flyovers and expressways
Kano continues to dominate due to its population size, industrial heritage, and role in trans-Saharan trade routes.
2. Kaduna State – The Industrial & Educational Hub of the North
Why Kaduna Is Among the Richest Hausa States:
Kaduna has long been a key economic state in the north. It's home to military institutions, major industries, and public sector offices.
Key Highlights:
IGR (2025): ₦58 billion – ₦65 billion
Major Cities: Kaduna, Zaria, Kafanchan
Industries: Textiles, military hardware, education, ICT, food processing
Education: Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)
Ongoing Projects:
Kaduna Inland Dry Port
Tech hubs and startup parks
Agro-processing clusters
Kaduna benefits from its mix of industry, education, and public administration, making it a magnet for development partners and NGOs.
3. Katsina State – Agricultural and Political Influence
Why Katsina Makes the Rich List:
Katsina, with a large rural and farming population, is rich in agriculture and cattle trade. The state's political influence also contributes to government presence and investment.
Key Highlights:
IGR (2025): ₦30 billion – ₦38 billion
Major Towns: Katsina, Daura, Funtua, Malumfashi
Strengths: Crop farming (millet, maize), livestock, irrigation projects
Development Projects:
Funtua Inland Dry Port
Zobe Dam irrigation project
New cattle markets and silos
Katsina is growing through agriculture-backed infrastructure and political connections, especially with federal attention to rural development.
4. Sokoto State – Strategic Trade and Religious Capital
Why Sokoto Ranks High Among Rich Hausa States:
Sokoto serves as a spiritual center for Muslims in Nigeria but also a key border trade zone with Niger Republic. It thrives on trade, farming, and religious tourism.
Key Highlights:
IGR (2025): ₦25 billion – ₦30 billion
Major Cities: Sokoto, Wurno, Illela
Strengths: Cross-border trade, rice farming, religious tourism, salt production
Development Focus:
Sokoto Rice Mill Project
Cross-border market upgrades
Solar energy and irrigation expansion
Sokoto’s combination of spiritual importance and trading location gives it consistent economic activity.
5. Bauchi State – Emerging Agribusiness and Industrial Center
Why Bauchi Is in the Top 5:
Bauchi has risen in economic rankings due to increased focus on agricultural value chains and road infrastructure. It’s one of the most agriculturally fertile northern states.
Key Highlights:
IGR (2025): ₦22 billion – ₦28 billion
Key Towns: Bauchi, Misau, Azare
Main Sectors: Grains, mining, honey production, poultry, education
Development Highlights:
Anchor Borrowers Programme farms
Bauchi industrial estates
Bauchi Urban Renewal project
The state is fast becoming a regional food and packaging hub, drawing agro-processors and export investors.
Internally Generated Revenue Comparison Table (2025)
| Hausa State | Estimated IGR (₦) | Economic Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Kano | ₦70bn+ | Trade, textiles, transportation, markets |
| Kaduna | ₦58bn – ₦65bn | Manufacturing, education, ICT |
| Katsina | ₦30bn – ₦38bn | Farming, livestock, federal investment |
| Sokoto | ₦25bn – ₦30bn | Border trade, agriculture, religious tourism |
| Bauchi | ₦22bn – ₦28bn | Agriculture, packaging, mining |
What About Other Hausa States?
Some Hausa-majority states are growing but didn’t make the top 5 based on IGR and development output:
Jigawa State: Focused on farming, but IGR still below ₦20bn.
Zamfara State: Resource-rich but underexploited due to insecurity.
Kebbi State: Strong in rice production, but infrastructure gaps remain.
Gombe & Yobe: Building slowly, with agriculture and energy development.
These states are developing gradually and may rise in future rankings.
FAQs – Richest Hausa States in Nigeria (2025)
Which is the richest Hausa state in 2025?
Kano State remains the richest Hausa state due to its massive population, markets, industries, and commercial activities.
Why is Kaduna State so important economically?
Kaduna has a mix of public sector institutions, industrial plants, and educational hubs, making it a northern economic powerhouse.
Is Katsina rich because of politics?
Katsina has strong political relevance, but its economy also thrives through farming and livestock trade.
What industries drive Sokoto’s economy?
Sokoto relies on trade, agriculture, and religious tourism, with cross-border commerce playing a key role.
Is Bauchi catching up economically?
Yes. Bauchi is emerging as a major agribusiness hub, with increased industrial and export capacity in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Top 5 Richest States in Hausa Land in 2025
The top 5 richest states in Hausa land in 2025 show how northern Nigeria is evolving economically. From Kano’s ancient trade routes to Kaduna’s tech and educational influence, the Hausa region is full of economic power and untapped potential.
While Kano and Kaduna dominate in terms of revenue and development, Katsina, Sokoto, and Bauchi are proving that agriculture, trade, and strategic location can drive regional growth.
If you’re planning to invest in northern Nigeria or study its economic map, these five Hausa states are the ones to watch.