About Bauchi State
Created in 1976 from the North Eastern State, Bauchi State is a land of rich cultural heritage, diverse ecology, and resilient people.
Population
Local Governments
Emirate Councils
Land Area
Overview
Bauchi State is located between latitudes 9° 3' and 12° 3' north and longitudes 8° 50' and 11° east. It covers a land area of 49,259.01 sq. km, representing 5.3% of Nigeria's total land mass. What is today known as Bauchi State was created in 1976 from the North Eastern State of Nigeria.
According to the 1991 census, the state had a population of 3,836,333 before the creation of Gombe State in 1996. Presently, the population stands at about 7.5 million, growing at 3.3% annually. Half of the population is under the age of 15, and 41.2% fall within the working-age group (20–65 years).
From the colonial era up to independence, Bauchi formed part of the Bauchi-Plateau of the then Northern Region until the 1967 state creation exercise, when together with Borno and Adamawa provinces, they constituted the former North Eastern State. Under successive leaders, the state has witnessed steady development in economic, political and socio-cultural spheres.
Key Demographics
- Land Area49,259 km²
- Population7.5 Million
- Growth Rate3.3% Annually
- Ethnic Groups~55 Groups
- Senatorial Zones3 Zones
- House of Reps12 Seats
- State Assembly31 Members
Vegetation & Landscape
Sudan Savannah
The Sudan savannah type of vegetation covers the southern part of the state. The vegetation gets richer and richer towards the South, especially along water sources or rivers. Generally, the vegetation is less uniform and grasses are shorter than what obtains further south in the forest zone of the middle belt.
The southern part of the state is also mountainous as a result of the continuation of the Jos Plateau.
Sahel Savannah
The Sahel type of savannah, also known as semi-desert vegetation, becomes manifest from the middle of the state as one moves from the South to the Northern part. The characteristics of this type of vegetation comprise isolated stands of thorny shrubs.
The northern part of the state is generally sandy, reflecting its proximity to the desert conditions of the far north.
Rainfall & Weather
The vegetation types are conditioned by climatic factors, which in turn determine the amount of rainfall received in the area. In the West African sub-region, rains generally come from the south as they are carried by the South Westerlies. There is, therefore, a progressive dryness towards the north, culminating in desert conditions in the far north.
In the south, it is humidly hot during the early part of the rainy season. In the north, the hot, dry and dusty weather lingers on for a while.
Southern Zone
1,300mm
Rainfall per annum. Rains start earlier in April and last longer.
Northern Zone
700mm
Rainfall per annum. Rains arrive late, usually around June/July.
Political Structure
3
Senatorial Zones
The state is divided into Northern, Central, and Southern zones, each with a senator representing it in the Senate.
12
House of Representatives
Bauchi State has twelve representatives in the Federal House of Representatives.
31
State Assembly Members
The State House of Assembly has thirty-one members representing various constituencies.
Local Government Areas
Bauchi State has 20 Local Government Areas, each serving as the third tier of government and the closest administrative unit to the people.
Emirate Councils
Bauchi State comprises six emirate councils, which play vital roles in cultural preservation, conflict resolution, and community governance.
Bauchi Emirate
The premier emirate and seat of the state capital.
Katagum Emirate
A historic emirate in the northern zone of the state.
Misau Emirate
Home to the notable Maladumba lake.
Jama'are Emirate
Located along the Jama'are river in the northern part.
Ningi Emirate
Situated in the southern part with rich cultural heritage.
Dass Emirate
Known for its mountainous terrain and unique traditions.
Ethnic Groups
Bauchi State is home to a total of 55 ethnic groups. These groups have varied customs, festivals, historical backgrounds, occupational patterns and beliefs. Despite this diversity, there are cultural similarities in the people's language, occupational practices, festivals, dress, and there is a high degree of ethnic interaction—especially in marriage and economic existence.
The major ethnic groups include:
Cultural Highlights
- Varied customs and traditional festivals
- Diverse historical backgrounds and oral traditions
- Distinctive occupational patterns and craftsmanship
- High degree of inter-ethnic marriage and economic interaction
- Shared similarities in dress, language, and festivals
Rivers & Water Bodies
The state is watered by a number of rivers and dams. All these provide necessary conditions that support agriculture across the state.
Gongola River
River
Jama'are River
River
Gubi Dam
Dam
Tilden Fulani Dam
Dam
Maladumba Lake
Lake
Located in Misau LGA
Political Evolution
Bauchi-Plateau, Northern Region
From the colonial era up to independence, Bauchi formed part of the Bauchi-Plateau of the then Northern Region.
North Eastern State Created
Together with Borno and Adamawa provinces, Bauchi constituted the former North Eastern State during the 1967 state creation exercise.
Bauchi State Created
Bauchi State was carved out of the North Eastern State, establishing its identity as a distinct entity within the federation.
Census Recorded 3.8 Million
The 1991 national census recorded a population of 3,836,333 for Bauchi State before the creation of Gombe State.
Gombe State Carved Out
Gombe State was created from Bauchi State, reducing its land area and population. The state has since grown to about 7.5 million people.
Steady Development
Under successive leaders, Bauchi State has witnessed steady development in economic, political and socio-cultural spheres, with 20 LGAs, 6 emirate councils, and a vibrant democracy.
