Is Kano State Actually More Populated than Lagos State Like Stated in the 2006 Census?

Many people assume that Kano State is more populous than Lagos State based on the figures reported in the 2006 Nigerian census. However, this is not always the case and the validity of the census figures has been subject to much debate and controversy. This article delves into the population figure dispute, examining different perspectives and presenting a personal viewpoint.

The Impact of Population on State Revenue

In Nigeria, population figures hold significant importance as they determine how much each state receives from the central government. The more people a state claims to have, the more it can secure from crude sales, which constitute approximately 90% of the nation's revenue. This financial aspect adds another layer of complexity to the discussion about the state's population numbers.

Personal Observations and Controversial Views

My personal belief is that Kano State is not as populous as Lagos State. This opinion is based on my extensive travels through various parts of Nigeria, particularly in remote areas of both the North and the South. My observations indicate that the northern regions, including Kano, are sparsely populated with small villages often miles apart, with fewer people and more livestock than one might expect. In contrast, areas in the East and West are densely populated, with towns and villages closely clustered together.

Let's consider the specific case of Kano vs. Lagos. Lagos is widely known as the main business center of Nigeria, with a high population density from corner to corner. Traversing through Lagos, one can hardly move due to the sheer number of people, apart from the metropolis area. As for Kano, while the city itself is fairly populated, other parts of the state are not densely populated. In fact, the state has vast tracts of sparsely populated grassland in its local government areas.

Challenges in Census Accuracy and Bias

The accuracy of the Nigerian census figures has been widely questioned. It is a known fact that the census data often contains errors, manipulations, and inflations. The 2006 population figures for Nigeria stated 140,003,542 people, with Kano State having the highest population at 9,383,682 and Lagos State at 9,013,534. These figures have been criticized for being manipulated by state governments to suit their political and financial interests.

For instance, the Lagos State government aimed to inflate the population figure to reach 22 million. Kano State, with its vast areas of sparsely populated grassland, would naturally report fewer inhabitants. Satellite imagery provides a visual confirmation of this, showing that much of Kano's local government areas are indeed covered by sparse grassland, supporting the view that the population figures may be inflated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether Kano State is more populous than Lagos State is a complex issue that warrants further investigation. While the 2006 census figures suggest otherwise, personal observations and satellite imagery suggest that this may not be entirely accurate. The debate around population figures in Nigeria highlights the challenges in obtaining reliable data for political and economic decision-making. It's important to critically evaluate the sources of information and consider multiple perspectives before accepting any figures as definitive.