How Kano emerged world’s 9th most populous city

The ancient city of Kano is bursting at the seams, ranking among the 10 most populous cities globally with an estimated 17.5 million people, according to the World Population Review 2026 report. It is ranked alongside Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Chengdu in China; Delhi and Mumbai in India; Kinshasa in DR Congo and Karachi, Pakistan. Kano’s massive population growth, which is projected to hit 20 million by 2030, presents boundless opportunities, but may also have dire consequences if not effectively managed. How well can the city’s growing numbers – largely youths – be leveraged for productivity and development, while minimising the attendant social, environmental and economic risks of a fast-rising megacity? Why we should not celebrate the ranking yet – Professor Aliyu Barau Kano population growth rooted in history, resilience – Dr Kurawa With insights from analysts, Weekend Trust highlights measures the government and other key stakeholders must take to turn the huge population into an advantage and the dangers their inaction may portend. Kano’s expanding population has been driven by natural population growth, migration, commercial activities, and its strategic role as a major trading hub in northern Nigeria. Development experts say the city’s continued growth presents significant opportunities for economic development, investment, and infrastructure expansion. They, however, caution that rapid urbanisation increases pressure on housing, transportation, healthcare, education, water supply, and other essential public services. As one of West Africa’s oldest commercial cities, Kano —famous for its groundnut pyramids in the past — has long served as a centre for trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and regional commerce. Its strategic location continues to attract businesses and people from across Nigeria and neighbouring countries, contributing to its expanding urban footprint and economic significance. According to the World Population Review 2026 report, Kano city is currently the 9th most populous city globally, with an estimated 17.5 million people. This places the metropolis ahead of major cities such as Lagos, New York and Istanbul, and makes it Africa’s second largest city after Kinshasa.  However, there has been a nationwide debate over the population figure of Kano as many stakeholders contend whether the Centre of Commerce is more populated than Lagos. The report paints a picture of shifting demographics across continents. Shanghai remains the largest city worldwide with over 24.7 million people, followed closely by Delhi, Kinshasa, Mumbai, and Beijing. Kinshasa, with its explosive growth rate of more than five per cent annually, is the fastest‑expanding megacity on earth. But it is Kano’s inclusion in this league that has startled many observers. Once seen primarily as a regional capital, it has now joined the ranks of the world’s urban giants, underscoring Africa’s rapid urbanisation. World Population Review notes that Kano’s growth is driven by a combination of natural increase and migration. The city’s annual growth rate of about 3.5 per cent is among the highest globally, and its population has surged past many traditional capitals of commerce and politics. The report warns, however, that such expansion comes with enormous challenges in overstretched infrastructure, housing shortages, environmental risks, and governance pressures that could overwhelm local authorities if not managed carefully. The data shows that Kano’s population in 1991 was 3,005,222. By 2026, the figure had climbed to 17,510,247, representing more than a five‑fold increase in just 35 years. The report notes that Kano grew by over 536,000 people in the last year alone, an annual growth rate of 3.16 per cent. If this pace continues, the population is projected to surpass 20 million by 2030, cementing its place among the world’s megacities. Similarly, the National Population Commission (NPC) data shows that Kano has consistently ranked among Nigeria’s most densely populated states. In 1991, the official census recorded 5,810,470 residents. By 2006, the figure had surged to 9,401,288, representing a growth rate of nearly 62 per cent in just 15 years. Subsequent estimates by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and NPC placed the population at 13.4 million in 2016 and 15.46 million in 2022. By early 2026, the NPC estimated 16,253,549 residents, with an annual growth rate of 3.27 per cent. This trajectory is remarkable when compared with other Nigerian cities. Lagos, often seen as the country’s commercial capital, is estimated at 14.8 million in 2026, meaning Kano has overtaken it in numbers. Abuja, the federal capital, remains far smaller at just over 2 million. The figures confirm that Kano is not only Nigeria’s most populous city but also one of the fastest‑growing metropolises globally. Kano’s rise to megacity status is not accidental. Analysts say it is the product of several forc

Read More