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

Niger State, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, is the country's largest state by landmass. It is blessed with vast natural resources, fertile agricultural land, and a thriving hydroelectric power sector. Created in 1976 from the defunct North-Western State, Niger State plays a strategic role in Nigeria’s development, particularly in energy production and food security.

With a total of 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs), Niger State’s administrative framework ensures effective grassroots governance and equitable distribution of development projects. Each LGA is unique, showcasing diverse cultures, landscapes, economic activities, and potentials.

In this article, we provide a comprehensive list of all 25 LGAs in Niger State, including detailed insights on their headquarters, economic activities, key features, and developmental relevance.
 

Quick Facts About Niger State

• Capital: Minna

• Slogan: “The Power State”

• Date of Creation: February 3, 1976

• Region: North-Central Nigeria

• Number of LGAs: 25

• Major Ethnic Groups: Nupe, Gwari (Gbagyi), Hausa, Fulani, Kambari

• Main Languages: Nupe, Gbagyi, Hausa, English

• Key Economic Activities: Agriculture, hydropower, fishing, mining, trade

• Notable Rivers: River Niger, River Kaduna

• Major Dams: Kainji Dam, Jebba Dam, Shiroro Dam

• Bordering States: Kwara, Kogi, Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, FCT Abuja

• International Border: Benin Republic (via River Niger)

Full List of LGAs in Niger State

Below is the complete list of all 25 LGAs in Niger State, along with their administrative headquarters:

Detailed Overview of Each LGA in Niger State

1. Agaie

• Headquarters: Agaie

• Key Features: Nupe-dominated area with rich cultural heritage

• Economy: Rice farming, millet cultivation, and local crafts

2. Agwara

• Headquarters: Agwara

• Geography: Located in the northwest, near the River Niger

• Activities: Fishing, rice irrigation, and shea butter production

3. Bida

• Headquarters: Bida

• Highlights: Home of the Etsu Nupe and historic Nupe Kingdom

• Industries: Bead-making, brass-smithing, sugarcane farming, and education

4. Borgu

• Headquarters: New Bussa

• Significance: Hosts part of Kainji Lake and National Park

• Economy: Ecotourism, fishing, hydroelectricity, and trade

5. Bosso

• Headquarters: Maikunkele

• Proximity: Adjacent to Minna, part of greater Minna urban area

• Occupation: Civil service, small-scale farming, and commerce

6. Chanchaga

• Headquarters: Minna

• Importance: Encompasses Minna, the state capital

• Facilities: Government House, Minna Airport, Federal University of Technology

7. Edati

• Headquarters: Enagi

• Crops: Groundnut, yam, maize, and rice

• Demographics: Mixed Nupe and Hausa populations

8. Gbako

• Headquarters: Lemu

• Agriculture: Rice, sugarcane, and livestock farming

• Culture: Strong Nupe traditional influence

9. Gurara

• Headquarters: Gawu Babangida

• Tourism: Hosts Gurara Waterfalls – a key tourist attraction

• Activities: Vegetable farming, poultry, and tourism

10. Katcha

• Headquarters: Katcha

• Crops: Yam, cassava, rice

• Transport: Access to River Niger waterways

11. Kontagora

• Headquarters: Kontagora

• Status: Major commercial and administrative town in the northwest

• Culture: Hausa-dominated with a strong emirate system

12. Lapai

• Headquarters: Lapai

• Education: Hosts Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU)

• Farming: Sorghum, millet, and sesame seeds

13. Lavun

• Headquarters: Kutigi

• Land Use: Fertile lands with heavy crop and livestock production

• Tradition: Seat of the Ndakpotopoto Nupe title

14. Magama

• Headquarters: Nasko

• Trade: Livestock, grains

• Infrastructure: Sparse development, with focus on agriculture

15. Mariga

• Headquarters: Bangi

• Population: Diverse; Hausa, Fulani, and Kamuku tribes

• Features: Large arable lands and seasonal farming

16. Mashegu

• Headquarters: Mashegu

• Resources: Forests, wildlife, and fertile plains

• Industries: Farming, wood processing, and fishing

17. Mokwa

• Headquarters: Mokwa

• Location: Along River Niger

• Notables: Sugar Company (NISUCO), irrigation agriculture

18. Munya

• Headquarters: Sarkin Pawa

• Terrain: Hilly and forested, prone to banditry in recent years

• Mainstay: Farming and forest produce

19. Paikoro

• Headquarters: Paiko

• Activities: Maize, yam, pepper farming

• Demographics: Gwari and Gbagyi dominated

20. Rafi

• Headquarters: Kagara

• Reputation: Historical town and emirate center

• Mining: Gold, tin, and other mineral deposits

21. Rijau

• Headquarters: Rijau

• Features: Large rural communities

• Occupation: Artisanal mining and farming

22. Shiroro

• Headquarters: Kuta

• Energy: Home to Shiroro Dam (hydroelectric power station)

• Landscape: Hilly, with fishing and cassava farming

23. Suleja

• Headquarters: Suleja

• Location: Closest LGA to Abuja FCT

• Highlights: Bustling urban economy, pottery, and real estate boom

24. Tafa

• Headquarters: Wuse

• Significance: Part of Abuja metropolitan expansion

• Commerce: Transport hub, market town, and fast-growing suburb

25. Wushishi

• Headquarters: Wushishi

• Occupation: Rice and sugarcane farming

• Hydro Access: Close to River Kaduna and irrigation schemes

Strategic Importance of LGAs in Niger State

The Local Government Areas in Niger State contribute substantially to:

• ✅ National Power Supply – Via Shiroro, Jebba, and Kainji dams

• ✅ Agricultural Output – Being a top producer of rice, yam, and millet

• ✅ Cultural Preservation – Through emirates like Bida, Kontagora, and Lapai

• ✅ Tourism Development – Especially in areas like Borgu and Gurara

• ✅ Natural Resource Utilization – With large mineral reserves in Rafi, Rijau, and Mariga

• ✅ Urban Expansion – Suleja and Tafa are critical growth corridors for Abuja

FAQs About Niger State LGAs

Q1: How many LGAs are in Niger State?
A: Niger State has 25 Local Government Areas.

Q2: Which LGA is the state capital located in?
A: Minna is in Chanchaga LGA.

Q3: What LGA is home to Kainji Dam?
A: Borgu LGA.

Q4: Which LGAs are closest to Abuja?
A: Suleja and Tafa.

Q5: What is the main economic activity across Niger State?
A: Agriculture, supported by fishing, mining, and energy generation.

Conclusion

Niger State stands tall as a powerhouse in Nigeria’s economic and energy landscape. Its 25 Local Government Areas reflect a diverse blend of cultures, agricultural productivity, energy resources, and historical richness. From the commercial towns of Suleja and Kontagora to the serene agricultural fields of Agaie and Edati, each LGA contributes uniquely to the state's growing importance.

For investors, researchers, and development planners, understanding the unique characteristics of each LGA in Niger State is essential to harnessing the state's full potential — truly living up to its name, “The Power State.”