It is a trade center and a major transportation hub as the gateway to northern states of Nigeria, with its rail and important road network.

[9] The first British governor of Northern Nigeria, Sir Frederick Lugard, chose the present site for development due to its proximity to the Lagos-Kano Railway.

The city is still influential as the headquarters of various political, military and cultural organizations, especially in Northern Nigeria.

There are twenty-three local government areas (LGAs) in the state, although the number of ethnic groups is much larger.

[14] However, the textile industry has been in decline due to recent Chinese imports and factory closures caused by years of neglect across many administrations.

[10][19] A 2009 World Bank survey states that Kaduna is one of the top six cities with the highest unemployment.

[17] There is a large racecourse named Murtala Mohammed Square, approximately 1.6 kilometres (1 mi) in perimeter, inside which is found the Kaduna Polo Club.

[28] Kaduna is popularly known as the centre of learning, as evident from the numerous educational institutions located in the state.

However, in 1976 the Mohammed Administration introduced the Local Government Area system (LGA) which delegated some responsibilities to the elected/appointed councillors.

With each successive Federal Military Administration, the number of the LGAs in Kaduna State increased from fourteen in the early 1980s to the present twenty-three in 1998.

These two seasons reflect the influ- ences of tropical continental and equatorial mar itime airmasses which sweep over the entire country.

High storm intensities (ranging from 60mm hr-1 to 99mm hr-1) plus the nature of surface runoff build up the good network of medium sized river sys- temps High evaporation during the dry season ton however, creates water shortage problems espe cinity in Igabi, Giwa, Soba, Makarfi)and Ikara LGA.