Kano Emerges World’s 9th Most Populous City with 17.5 Million Residents
Kano has emerged as the world’s ninth-most populous city, with an estimated population of 17.5 million people, according to the World Population Review 2026 report.
The ranking places the ancient northern Nigerian city among the world’s 10 most populous urban centres, alongside major global cities including Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.
The population figure highlights the scale of Kano’s urban expansion and its position as one of Africa’s largest population centres.
The latest ranking has also renewed attention on the rapid growth of Kano, a city whose development has been shaped by its long history as a commercial and cultural centre in northern Nigeria.
The 17.5 million estimate refers to Kano’s population as an urban area in the World Population Review’s 2026 assessment, rather than necessarily representing the population within the administrative boundaries of Kano State.
Kano’s inclusion among the world’s most populous cities places it in the same global conversation as some of the largest metropolitan centres, underlining the scale of the opportunities and challenges associated with its continued urban growth.
The ranking comes as Kano continues to attract attention over its population growth, urban development and role as a major economic centre in northern Nigeria.
Source: Daily Trust / World Population Review 2026.
