Happy TravellerWelcome to Kaduna, the capital city of Kaduna State and former political capital of northern Nigeria. Located in the north-western region of Nigeria, Kaduna is a bustling trade center and major transportation hub serving as the gateway to the northern states of Nigeria, with its well-developed rail and road network. With a population of 1.1 million (as of 2023), Kaduna is a vibrant and rapidly urbanizing city, with a rich history, diverse culture, and a booming economy.
== Etymology ==
The name Kaduna is derived from the Hausa word for crocodiles, Kaddani, which is the plural form of the word. Another version of the name proposes a link to the Gbagyi word/name Odna, meaning river.
== History ==
Founded by British colonists in 1900, Kaduna was chosen by the first British governor of northern Nigeria, Sir Frederick Lugard, due to its proximity to the Lagos-Kano Railway. It became the capital of Nigeria’s former Northern Region in 1917 and remained so until 1967. Today, Kaduna is a hub for political, military, and cultural organizations in northern Nigeria.
== Economy ==
=== Industries ===
Kaduna is a major industrial center in northern Nigeria, with a strong manufacturing base in textiles, machinery, steel, aluminum, petroleum products, and bearings. The textile industry has been in decline due to Chinese imports and factory closures caused by neglect during the military dictatorship in Nigeria. Other light manufactures include plastics, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, furniture, and televisions. Agriculture is also a major industry in Kaduna, and as such, the Bank of Agriculture has its headquarters in the city. Some main agricultural exports include cotton, peanuts, sorghum, and ginger. Kaduna also has a branch of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Automobile manufacturing remains an important part of Kaduna’s economy. Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria has an assembly plant in Kaduna, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), one of Nigeria’s four main oil refineries, is located in the city. According to a 2009 World Bank survey, Kaduna is one of the top six cities with the highest unemployment, with an estimated 20% of the population being unemployed.
=== Sports and tourism ===
Kaduna has a rich sporting culture, with the Murtala Mohammed Square, a large racecourse approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) round, hosting the Kaduna Polo Club. The city also has the Ahmadu Bello Stadium and Ranchers Bees Stadium, among other sports facilities. In terms of tourism, Kaduna has several hotels that cater to tourists and visitors.
== Infrastructure ==
Under the administration of Nasir el-Rufai, the infrastructure network in the city is undergoing significant development. Kaduna has an inland dry port, and the Nigerian military has several installations in the city, including the Nigerian Defence Academy. Kaduna International Airport serves the city, and the city is an important junction on Nigeria’s Cape gauge railway network. A planned Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway is also set to pass through Kaduna.
== Education ==
Kaduna is home to numerous educational institutions, making it a popular center of learning in Nigeria. Some tertiary institutions in Kaduna city include the Kaduna State University, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Greenfield University Kaduna, National Open University of Nigeria, Kaduna Study Center, Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, National Teachers Institute (NTI), Kaduna, and Kaduna Polytechnic (1968). Other institutions include the National board for Islamic and Arabic studies, Kaduna Business School, Dialogue Institute Kaduna, Institute of Ophthalmology, National Eye Centre, Kaduna, National board for Arabic and Islamic studies, National center for nomadic education, and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State.
== Places of worship ==
Kaduna is home to several churches and mosques. The Sultan Bello Mosque is the biggest and central mosque in the city, while churches include the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (World Communion of Reformed Churches), Nigerian Baptist Convention (Baptist World Alliance), Living Faith Church Worldwide, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Assemblies of God, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna (Catholic Church), Mountain of fire and miracles ministries, North central 2 Mega Regional HQ, Universal Reformed Christian Church, Kaduna (Protestant Church).
== Climate ==
Kaduna has a tropical savanna climate, with a wet season from April to October and a dry season from November to March. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of 33°C (91°F) and an average low of 23°C (73°F).
== Notable people ==
Several notable individuals call Kaduna home, including former Nigerian Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, and musician and activist Fela Kuti.
== See also ==
Railway stations in Nigeria
Kaduna State
National Ear Care Centre
== References ==
== External links ==
Media related to Kaduna at Wikimedia Commons
