North Central
Niger State
Capital: Minna · Created 1976 · ≈6.0 million · Area 76,363 km²
Population
≈6.0 million
Size
76,363 km²
Capital
Minna
Year created
1976
Geopolitical zone
North Central
Languages
Nupe · Gbagyi · Hausa · Kamuku · English
Ethnic groups
- Nupe (majority)
- Gbagyi
- Hausa
- Kamuku
- Kambari
- Bussawa
Natural resources
- Gold
- Kaolin
- Iron ore
- Marble
- Limestone
- Talc
- Hydro-electricity
Signature foods
- Tuwo shinkafa
- Nupe dun (millet paste)
- Miyan kuka
- Fura da nono
Notable people
- General Ibrahim Babangida (former Head of State)
- Abubakar Sani Bello (former governor)
- Umaru Bago (governor)
- General Abdulsalami Abubakar (former Head of State)
Culture, values & festivals
- Nupe boat regattas
- Gbagyi pottery traditions
- Etsu Nupe royal court
- Home to three major hydro dams (Kainji, Jebba, Shiroro)
Top places to visit in Niger
- 1
Gurara Waterfalls
Popular 30m waterfall on Kaduna-Suleja road.
- 2
Kainji Dam & Lake
Massive dam and lake with hydro-electricity and boat cruises.
- 3
Old Bussa (submerged) & Bussa Emirate
Historic town, partly submerged by Kainji Lake.
- 4
Zuma Rock (also spans FCT)
725m monolith with a face-shaped feature.
About the North Central
Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau. Food basket of the nation, Jos Plateau tin mines, Middle Belt.