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

Katsina State, located in the North-Western geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is a state with deep historical roots, cultural pride, and strategic relevance. Created in 1987 from the old Kaduna State, Katsina is home to the famous Katsina Emirate, known for its long-standing Islamic heritage, traditional leadership, and educational legacy.

Katsina State boasts 34 Local Government Areas (LGAs) that form the backbone of its grassroots governance, enabling socio-economic development, infrastructure management, and public service delivery across urban and rural communities. This article offers a complete and detailed overview of all LGAs in Katsina State, including their headquarters, economic significance, cultural identity, and key features.

Quick Facts About Katsina State

• Capital: Katsina

• Slogan: “Home of Hospitality”

• Date of Creation: September 23, 1987

• Region: North-West Nigeria

• Number of LGAs: 34

• Major Ethnic Groups: Hausa, Fulani

• Main Languages: Hausa, Fulfulde, English

• Key Economic Activities: Farming, animal rearing, commerce, education

• Bordering States: Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa

• International Border: Niger Republic

Full List of LGAs in Katsina State

Below is the full list of the 34 LGAs in Katsina State along with their administrative headquarters:

Detailed Overview of Each LGA in Katsina State

1. Bakori

• Headquarters: Bakori

• Economy: Groundnut and cotton farming

• Notable: Known for traditional crafts and cultural festivals

2. Batagarawa

• Headquarters: Batagarawa

• Significance: Suburban LGA near Katsina city

• Economy: Commerce, transport, and service-based economy

3. Batsari

• Headquarters: Batsari

• Agriculture: Millet, sorghum, and livestock rearing

• Challenges: Some security issues in rural areas

4. Baure

• Headquarters: Baure

• Location: Northern border with Niger Republic

• Economy: Cross-border trade, cattle markets

5. Bindawa

• Headquarters: Bindawa

• Key Feature: Large farmlands for cereal production

• Demographics: Predominantly rural settlements

6. Charanchi

• Headquarters: Charanchi

• Trade: Popular rural markets

• Farming: Sesame seeds, guinea corn

7. Dandume

• Headquarters: Dandume

• Farming: Yam, maize, groundnut

• Culture: Rich in Hausa traditions

8. Danja

• Headquarters: Danja

• Specialty: Tomato and rice cultivation

• Water Bodies: Irrigated through local dams

9. Dan Musa

• Headquarters: Dan Musa

• Economy: Cash crops and animal husbandry

• Culture: Strong Emirate influence

10. Daura

• Headquarters: Daura

• Historical Relevance: Birthplace of President Muhammadu Buhari

• Significance: One of the oldest traditional emirates in Hausaland

11. Dutsi

• Headquarters: Dutsi

• Economy: Cotton farming and weaving

• Demography: Traditional villages and seasonal migration

12. Dutsin-Ma

• Headquarters: Dutsin-Ma

• Institutions: Federal University Dutsin-Ma

• Agriculture: Rice and fish farming

13. Faskari

• Headquarters: Faskari

• Land Use: Extensive farmland areas

• Challenges: Occasionally affected by rural conflicts

14. Funtua

• Headquarters: Funtua

• Importance: Major commercial and industrial hub in the state

• Facilities: Large markets, textile industries, and banking services

15. Ingawa

• Headquarters: Ingawa

• Livelihoods: Cattle grazing, leather processing

• Social Life: Traditional leadership and Fulani settlements

16. Jibia

• Headquarters: Jibia

• Bordering Niger: Key international border LGA

• Trade: Livestock, grains, and border goods

17. Kafur

• Headquarters: Kafur

• Resources: Precious stones, such as kaolin and granite

• Agriculture: Maize and groundnut cultivation

18. Kaita

• Headquarters: Kaita

• Highlights: Gateway for cross-border movement

• Livelihood: Grain farming, small-scale commerce

19. Kankara

• Headquarters: Kankara

• Key Activities: Cotton and millet farming

• Security: Ongoing efforts to improve safety

20. Kankia

• Headquarters: Kankia

• Education: Several public and private schools

• Crops: Onions, maize, millet

21. Katsina (City)

• Headquarters: Katsina

• Capital: Administrative and political capital of the state

• Infrastructure: Universities, hospitals, commercial centers

22. Kurfi

• Headquarters: Kurfi

• Specialties: Sugarcane, livestock, local pottery

• Notable: Weekly market attracts traders from nearby towns

23. Kusada

• Headquarters: Kusada

• Activities: Subsistence farming and fishery

• Cultural Life: Traditional rites and festivals

24. Mai’Adua

• Headquarters: Mai’Adua

• Border Post: Major international market and customs outpost

• Economy: Cattle and camel trading, grains

25. Malumfashi

• Headquarters: Malumfashi

• Highlights: Old educational town

• Agriculture: Beans, tomatoes, and sorghum

26. Mani

• Headquarters: Mani

• Significance: Historical seat of Fulani rulers

• Production: Livestock, gum Arabic

27. Mashi

• Headquarters: Mashi

• Climate: Semi-arid; supports dry-season farming

• Major Crops: Tomatoes, pepper, onions

28. Matazu

• Headquarters: Matazu

• Resources: Agricultural produce and small-scale quarrying

• Culture: Festivals and oral history practices

29. Musawa

• Headquarters: Musawa

• Farming: Cotton, beans, maize

• Notable: Community-based cooperative societies

30. Rimi

• Headquarters: Rimi

• Crops: Sorghum, rice

• Infrastructure: Moderate roads and public schools

31. Sabuwa

• Headquarters: Sabuwa

• Farming: Wet and dry season farming

• Community: Close-knit villages with clan structures

32. Safana

• Headquarters: Safana

• Livelihood: Mixed farming and herding

• Security: Focus on rebuilding rural confidence

33. Sandamu

• Headquarters: Sandamu

• Main Crops: Sorghum, cowpeas

• Social Life: Fulani settlements and nomadic schools

34. Zango

• Headquarters: Zango

• Unique Features: Hilly terrains and agricultural belts

• Traditions: Annual festivals and historical landmarks

Strategic Importance of LGAs in Katsina State

Katsina’s LGAs serve vital functions across sectors:

• Agriculture: Backbone of the economy, with strong outputs in cotton, maize, groundnut, and rice.

• Education: Host to numerous institutions including Federal University Dutsin-Ma and Umaru Musa Yar'adua University.

• Trade: Border LGAs like Jibia and Mai’Adua boost international commerce.

• Culture: Deep-rooted emirate systems and Islamic education centers preserve traditional knowledge.

FAQs About Katsina State LGAs

Q1: How many LGAs are in Katsina State?
A: There are 34 Local Government Areas.

Q2: Which LGA is the capital of Katsina State?
A: Katsina City is the capital and seat of government.

Q3: What are the major occupations in Katsina LGAs?
A: Agriculture, animal rearing, trade, and crafts.

Q4: Does Katsina share an international border?
A: Yes, with the Republic of Niger.

Q5: Which LGA is known for education in Katsina State?
A: Malumfashi and Dutsin-Ma are notable for their academic institutions.

Conclusion

Katsina State’s 34 LGAs are dynamic pillars of its development, each contributing uniquely to its agricultural strength, cultural identity, and economic expansion. From the vibrant markets of Funtua to the scholarly roots of Malumfashi and the cross-border vibrancy of Mai’Adua, the state exemplifies the potential of decentralized governance.

Understanding these LGAs is key for investors, policymakers, development partners, and scholars seeking to engage with or work within Katsina State – the true “Home of Hospitality.”