Maiduguri, city, northeastern Nigeria, capital of Borno State. Since 1964 Maiduguri has been the terminus of the eastern branch railroad from Jos. The city consists of a trade center, dealing in cotton, grains, nuts, cassava, livestock, gum arabic, and lumber; and the densely populated native quarter of Yerwa, on the north. Other industries include meat packing, rail repair, and the manufacture of leather goods and perfume. In 1908 the city became capital of the former Bornu Province. It is the site of the University of Maiduguri (1975). Population (1995 estimate) 312,100.
