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

Kano State, located in the North-Western region of Nigeria, is widely recognized as the commercial and industrial hub of Northern Nigeria. With its rich historical legacy, bustling markets, ancient Emirate system, and fast-growing population, Kano is not only a cultural landmark but also a central player in Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Administratively, Kano State is subdivided into 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) — the highest number among all Nigerian states. These LGAs are crucial for facilitating grassroots governance, social services delivery, urban and rural development, and political participation. Each LGA has its own administrative structure, demographics, economic strengths, and cultural identity.

This article provides a detailed overview of all LGAs in Kano State, their headquarters, major economic activities, and additional insights that can be helpful for investors, tourists, students, and researchers.
 

Quick Facts About Kano State

• Capital: Kano City

• Slogan: “Centre of Commerce”

• Number of LGAs: 44

• Region: North-West Nigeria

• Creation Date: May 27, 1967

• Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Hausa-Fulani

• Main Language: Hausa (English is widely used officially)

• Major Economic Activities: Agriculture, textiles, leatherworks, food processing, trading, metalworks

Full List of Local Government Areas in Kano State

Below is a table showing all 44 LGAs in Kano State along with their administrative headquarters:

Key Features & Economic Activities Across Kano State LGAs

Here’s a deeper look at Kano State LGAs, their major characteristics, and roles in the state's development.

1. Ajingi

• Economy: Subsistence farming (millet, guinea corn, and cowpeas)

• Livelihoods: Fishing along riverbanks, pottery

• Culture: Traditional Hausa festivals

2. Albasu

• Agriculture: Groundnut and millet farming

• Crafts: Weaving and dyeing of local fabrics

• Market Days: Weekly markets attract neighboring rural communities

3. Bagwai

• Water Resources: Home to Tiga Dam (key for irrigation)

• Farming: Rice, sugarcane, and vegetables

• Fishing: Significant fishing activities due to dam

4. Bebeji

• Industry: Hosts segments of Kano’s agro-processing belt

• Trade: Strategic market serving nearby LGAs

• Transport: Proximity to highways linking southern Kano

5. Bichi

• Status: Headquarters of Bichi Emirate

• Farming: Beans, onions, millet

• Crafts: Leather slippers, hats

6. Bunkure

• Agriculture: Noted for large-scale tomato and pepper farming

• Irrigation: Supported by canals from Kano River

• Market: Central agricultural trade hub

7. Dala

• Culture: Site of historic Dala Hill

• Crafts: Blacksmithing, tanning, tie-and-dye

• Urbanization: Densely populated with mixed housing

8. Dambatta

• Farming: Sorghum, millet, maize

• Livestock: Poultry and goat farming

• Markets: Rural-to-urban commodity flow

9. Dawakin Kudu

• Agricultural Innovation: Known for experimentation farms

• Education: Hosts science colleges

• Economic Base: Cassava and groundnut trade

10. Dawakin Tofa

• Dyeing Industry: Home to indigenous dye pits

• Farming: Maize, groundnut, and onions

• Traditional Arts: Pottery, leather carving

11. Doguwa

• Forestry: One of the greener areas in Kano South

• Farming: Sorghum, sesame, cassava

• Location: Borders with Kaduna, boosting inter-state trade

12. Fagge

• Urban Economy: Textiles, tailoring, electronics

• Markets: Adjacent to Sabon Gari and Kantin Kwari

• Population: High-density with major rental properties

13. Gabasawa

• Livelihood: Rain-fed farming and grain storage

• Crops: Rice and watermelon

• Development: New investments in dry season irrigation

14. Garko

• Farming: Sorghum, groundnut, and vegetables

• Rural Economy: Weekly cattle and grain markets

• Location: Located southeast of Kano, part of Emirate council

15. Garun Mallam

• Industry: Clay and brick manufacturing

• Irrigation: Dry season farming via streams

• Economy: Livestock, particularly goats and poultry

16. Gaya

• History: One of Kano's oldest historical settlements

• Agriculture: Yam and millet production

• Culture: Traditional ruling house with Islamic learning centers

17. Gezawa

• Agriculture: Rice and tomato belt of Kano East

• Fishing: Due to proximity to irrigation projects

• Craftsmanship: Pottery and iron works

18. Gwale

• Urban Hub: Mix of residential and commercial areas

• Education: Densely populated with Islamic schools

• Services: Tailoring, food processing, mechanics

19. Gwarzo

• Economy: Sorghum and cotton farming

• Trade: Local markets support neighboring LGAs

• Community: Vibrant cultural festivals and youth programs

20. Kabo

• Agriculture: Known for rice and melon farming

• Fishing: Significant due to rivers and reservoirs

• Traditional Structures: Historic clan settlements

21. Kano Municipal

• Governance: Location of Government House and Emir’s Palace

• Markets: Kurmi Market, Kantin Kwari

• Industry: Services, banking, commerce, manufacturing

22. Karaye

• Emirate Capital: Seat of Karaye Emirate

• Economy: Mixed farming, trading in grains

• Tourism: Hills and traditional palaces

23. Kibiya

• Farming: Yam, millet, sugarcane

• Water Bodies: Support fishing and irrigation

• Culture: Hausa oral poetry and Islamic teachings

24. Kiru

• Agriculture: Groundnut, cassava, rice

• Cattle Rearing: Widespread Fulani herding

• Markets: Supplies produce to Kano city

25. Kumbotso

• Education: Hosts Kano University of Science and Technology

• Farming: Tomato and onion belt

• Urbanization: Sprawling suburbs with manufacturing hubs

26. Kunchi

• Dryland Farming: Millet, maize, beans

• Animal Husbandry: Sheep and goat rearing

• Culture: Rich oral history and folklore

27. Kura

• Agro Processing: Tomato paste, rice mills

• Markets: Central for produce aggregation

• Farmers’ Cooperatives: Strong in fertilizer distribution

28. Madobi

• Farming: Sugarcane, maize, ginger

• Livestock: Poultry, fish farms

• Irrigation: Flourishing due to proximity to Challawa Dam

29. Makoda

• Crops: Cowpeas, millet, sesame

• Water Access: Boreholes and seasonal rivers

• Community Development: Active in cooperative societies

30. Minjibir

• Crafts: Renowned for tie-dye and batik

• Markets: Specialty fabric and wrapper markets

• Tourism: Historical shrines and artisan centers

31. Nasarawa

• Urban Fringe: Houses state-owned estates

• Services: Education, healthcare, SMEs

• Commerce: Expanding real estate and rental economy

32. Rano

• Emirate Base: Headquarters of Rano Emirate

• Farming: Tobacco, guinea corn, rice

• Cultural Institutions: Home to Quranic education centers

33. Rimin Gado

• Livestock: Cattle, sheep, goat fattening

• Crops: Maize, beans, vegetables

• Markets: Serves Gwarzo and surrounding LGAs

34. Rogo

• Agricultural Focus: Maize and groundnut

• Water: Irrigated fields from seasonal streams

• Trade: Local markets with Kaduna State exchange

35. Shanono

• Farming: Known for rice fields

• Crafts: Leather sandals and rope weaving

• Cattle Markets: Draws Fulani herdsmen

36. Sumaila

• Farming: Millet, cotton, sesame

• Emirate: Houses traditional leadership

• Economy: Cattle breeding and open markets

37. Takai

• Agro-Trading: Sesame, groundnut, and sorghum

• Location: Near southern highway corridor

• Cooperatives: Farmers’ groups thriving in seed distribution

38. Tarauni

• Urban Economy: Retail, fashion, and real estate

• Residences: High-density middle-class area

• Services: Clinics, schools, private enterprises

39. Tofa

• Farming: Wheat, rice, onion

• Crafts: Local dyeing pits and garment making

• Youth Training: Skills acquisition centers growing

40. Tsanyawa

• Livelihoods: Farming, petty trade

• Crops: Beans, sesame, sorghum

• Markets: Weekly food markets important to rural economy

41. Tudun Wada

• Forestry & Farming: Trees, millet, sesame

• Eco-Zones: Hosts patches of savannah forest

• Culture: Festivals and Islamic heritage sites

42. Ungogo

• Urban Periphery: Spillover residential estates

• Artisans: Carpenters, welders, food processors

• Farming: Wet season rain-fed agriculture

43. Warawa

• Economic Base: Dairy production and cassava

• Culture: Hausa arts and performance troupes

• Tourism: Known for traditional dance festivals

44. Wudil

• Education: Federal University of Technology, Wudil

• Farming: Sugarcane, rice, horticulture

• Water Access: Challawa Gorge Dam supports irrigation and fishing

Major Economic Activities in Kano State LGAs

Agriculture

• Kano is a leader in dry-season farming through irrigation systems around the Hadejia and Challawa river basins.

• Key crops: Groundnuts, maize, millet, sorghum, rice, vegetables

• LGAs like Dambatta, Kiru, Takai, and Albasu are heavy producers.

Commerce & Trade

• Kano city serves as the center for wholesale and retail markets for textiles, grains, electronics, and consumer goods.

• LGAs like Fagge, Gwale, Tarauni, and Nasarawa thrive on commerce and transportation.

Leather & Textile Industry

• LGAs such as Dala and Kano Municipal are home to tanneries, dye pits, and tailoring clusters.

• Kano is one of Africa's top producers of dyed fabrics and processed leather.

Education & Research

• Institutions like Bayero University, Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST), and College of Islamic Legal Studies contribute to the knowledge economy.

• These are mainly located in Kumbotso, Wudil, and Kano Municipal.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many LGAs are there in Kano State?

A: There are 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kano State.

Q2: Which LGA is the capital of Kano State?

A: Kano Municipal is the capital LGA and the administrative heart of the state.

Q3: What is the most commercial LGA in Kano State?

A: Fagge, Kano Municipal, and Dala are among the most commercial LGAs due to their markets and business districts.

Q4: Which LGA has the highest population in Kano?

A: While census data may vary, Kumbotso, Gwale, and Fagge are among the most densely populated.

Q5: Are there emirate councils in Kano LGAs?

A: Yes. Apart from the Kano Emirate, Kano State has newly upgraded emirates such as Rano, Bichi, Gaya, and Karaye with administrative presence in their respective LGAs.

Conclusion

Kano State’s 44 Local Government Areas form the building blocks of its cultural, commercial, and political influence in Nigeria. From the vibrant trade hubs of Fagge and Kano Municipal to the serene agrarian landscapes of Sumaila and Makoda, each LGA plays a unique role in shaping the future of Kano.

For policymakers, researchers, investors, NGOs, and development partners, understanding the structure and specialties of these LGAs is vital for effective decision-making and collaboration.