Kano has emerged as the world’s ninth most populous city, with an estimated population of 17.5 million people, cementing its place among the planet’s major megacities alongside urban giants like Shanghai, Beijing, Delhi and Kinshasa.

According to the latest World Population Review 2026 estimates, the ancient northern Nigerian city now sits at a population of 17,510,247, making it the only West African city to break into the global top 10 under this ranking methodology. The figure represents a striking climb from just over 3 million residents recorded in 1991, with the city’s population growing by more than 3 percent in the past year alone. Shanghai tops the global list with roughly 24.7 million residents, while Chengdu rounds out the top 10 with around 15.8 million.

Analysts attribute Kano’s rapid growth to a mix of natural population increase, sustained migration, and its long-standing role as a major commercial and trading hub for northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

The city’s expansive markets, manufacturing base, agricultural sector, and network of educational and healthcare institutions have continued to draw people from across the region, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s fastest-growing urban centres. Should current trends hold, projections suggest the city’s population could surpass 20 million by 2030.

The milestone has sparked fresh conversation among experts about how Kano and Nigeria at large can convert the demographic surge into economic opportunity rather than strain. Commentators have pointed to countries like China as examples of how large populations can be transformed into engines of growth through sustained investment in education, skills development and human capital, urging Kano State authorities to prioritise similar investments in healthcare, agriculture, security and reliable electricity supply.

Others have struck a more cautionary note, describing the population boom as a potential demographic dividend that could just as easily become a burden if not carefully managed. A large, youthful workforce could significantly boost manufacturing, agriculture, financial services and entrepreneurship in the state, but experts warn that without adequate job creation, rising unemployment among young people could heighten vulnerability to crime and social instability.

The growing numbers have also intensified calls for expanded housing supply and infrastructure investment, with urban planning experts stressing the need for coordinated, long-term strategies to manage the city’s continued expansion sustainably.

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