Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Jigawa State: Full List & Details

Jigawa State, located in the northwestern region of Nigeria, is one of the country’s emerging economic zones, with a deep-rooted cultural identity, vast agricultural potential, and steadily improving infrastructure. Created on August 27, 1991, from the old Kano State, Jigawa has grown into a vibrant entity with a unique administrative structure comprising 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

These LGAs serve as the foundation for grassroots governance and development. They are responsible for delivering essential public services, promoting agricultural and educational initiatives, and preserving local customs and traditions.

In this article, we explore the complete list of all 27 LGAs in Jigawa State, including detailed profiles, headquarters, economic strengths, and key features of each local government area.
 

Quick Facts About Jigawa State

• Capital: Dutse

• Slogan: “The New World”

• Date of Creation: August 27, 1991

• Region: North-Western Nigeria

• Number of LGAs: 27

• Major Ethnic Groups: Hausa, Fulani

• Main Languages: Hausa, Fulfulde, English

• Key Economic Activities: Agriculture, livestock farming, fishing, commerce

• Bordering States: Kano, Bauchi, Yobe, Katsina

• International Border: Niger Republic

Full List of LGAs in Jigawa State

Below is a full list of all 27 LGAs in Jigawa State, along with their administrative headquarters:

Detailed Overview of Each LGA in Jigawa State

Here is an in-depth look at each of the 27 Local Government Areas in Jigawa State:

1. Auyo

• Headquarters: Auyo

• Key Activities: Rice and fish farming

• Geography: Lies within the Hadejia River basin

2. Babura

• Headquarters: Babura

• Notable: Shares a border with Niger Republic

• Economy: Cross-border trade, livestock

3. Biriniwa

• Headquarters: Biriniwa

• Known For: Irrigation farming and rural development projects

• Language: Hausa and Kanuri influences

4. Birnin Kudu

• Headquarters: Birnin Kudu

• Highlights: Oldest urban center in the state

• Infrastructure: Tertiary institutions and historical sites

5. Buji

• Headquarters: Buji

• Agriculture: Millet, guinea corn, maize

• Demography: Sparsely populated but agriculturally rich

6. Dutse

• Headquarters: Dutse (State Capital)

• Significance: Administrative, commercial, and political center

• Institutions: Federal University Dutse, Government House

7. Gagarawa

• Headquarters: Gagarawa

• Economy: Subsistence farming and livestock

• Climate: Semi-arid with low rainfall

8. Garki

• Headquarters: Garki

• Population: Densely populated

• Markets: Rural trade in grains and beans

9. Gumel

• Headquarters: Gumel

• History: Ancient Emirate and trade route

• Institutions: Gumel Emirate Council

10. Guri

• Headquarters: Guri

• Environment: Located in floodplain of Hadejia-Nguru wetlands

• Occupations: Fishing and farming

11. Gwaram

• Headquarters: Gwaram

• Farming: Major maize and sorghum producing area

• Social Structure: Traditional wards and clan settlements

12. Gwiwa

• Headquarters: Gwiwa

• Border: Near Katsina State

• Infrastructure: Mostly rural with developing schools

13. Hadejia

• Headquarters: Hadejia

• Historical Importance: Ancient Hausa kingdom and emirate

• Economy: Rice farming, fishing, trade hub

14. Jahun

• Headquarters: Jahun

• Major Crops: Groundnut, millet

• Water Sources: River Jahun supports farming

15. Kafin Hausa

• Headquarters: Kafin Hausa

• Language: Hausa

• Industries: Agro-processing and animal husbandry

16. Kaugama

• Headquarters: Kaugama

• Occupation: Animal rearing, local crafts

• Culture: Strong Islamic heritage

17. Kazaure

• Headquarters: Kazaure

• Highlights: Emirate town and ancient trade post

• Education: Home to Jigawa State Polytechnic

18. Kirikasamma

• Headquarters: Kirikasamma

• Economy: Wet-season farming, livestock markets

• Social Life: Deep-rooted community systems

19. Kiyawa

• Headquarters: Kiyawa

• Crops: Sesame seeds, beans

• Trade: Weekly rural markets attract buyers from neighboring towns

20. Maigatari

• Headquarters: Maigatari

• Bordering Country: Niger Republic

• Activities: International livestock market, border trade

21. Malam Madori

• Headquarters: Malam Madori

• Reputation: Educational excellence in local schools

• Agriculture: Irrigated rice and vegetables

22. Miga

• Headquarters: Miga

• Farming: Predominantly small-scale agriculture

• Features: Lowland topography suitable for irrigation

23. Ringim

• Headquarters: Ringim

• Significance: One of the state's commercial centers

• Industries: Weaving, pottery, modern retail markets

24. Roni

• Headquarters: Roni

• Occupations: Farming, textile weaving

• Transport: Accessible road networks

25. Sule Tankarkar

• Headquarters: Sule Tankarkar

• Notable For: Cross-border commerce

• Culture: Deep Fulani-Hausa traditions

26. Taura

• Headquarters: Taura

• Known For: Strong educational institutions

• Crops: Tomatoes, onions, leafy vegetables

27. Yankwashi

• Headquarters: Karkarna

• Population: Rural and agrarian

• Agriculture: Millet, cotton, beans

Strategic Importance of LGAs in Jigawa State

The local government areas in Jigawa State play an essential role in:

• Agricultural Development – With over 70% of the population involved in farming.

• Trade & Border Commerce – Especially in LGAs like Maigatari and Babura.

• Cultural Preservation – Home to traditional emirates and historic kingdoms.

• Education – With expanding infrastructure for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

• Public Health & Governance – Ensuring access to basic health care, sanitation, and services.

FAQs About Jigawa State LGAs

Q1: How many LGAs are in Jigawa State?
A: Jigawa State has 27 Local Government Areas.

Q2: What is the capital of Jigawa State?
A: Dutse.

Q3: Which LGAs in Jigawa share borders with Niger Republic?
A: Babura, Maigatari, and Sule Tankarkar.

Q4: Which LGA is the most urbanized in Jigawa State?
A: Dutse, followed by Hadejia and Kazaure.

Q5: What is the main source of income for most LGAs in Jigawa?
A: Agriculture and animal husbandry.

Conclusion

Jigawa State’s 27 LGAs reflect a rich tapestry of culture, trade, governance, and agricultural potential. Whether it's the bustling cross-border markets of Maigatari or the serene farmlands of Buji, each LGA offers something unique that drives the state's overall development.

For investors, policymakers, NGOs, and scholars, understanding these LGAs is key to unlocking the economic and social opportunities in "The New World" – Jigawa State.