All 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State
Complete list of every LGA in Kaduna State — headquarters, land area, population, notable communities, and key economic facts.
Kaduna State LGA Records
Complete List of LGAs in Kaduna State
| # | LGA Name | Headquarters | Area (km²) | Population (est.) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birnin Gwari Largest | Birnin Gwari | 6,185 | 421657 | Central |
| 2 | Chikun | Kujama | 4,466 | 607097 | Central |
| 3 | Giwa | Giwa | — | 476847 | Central |
| 4 | Igabi | Turunku | 3,222 | 702467 | Central |
| 5 | Ikara | Ikara | — | 317567 | North |
| 6 | Jaba | Kwoi | 531 | 254318 | South |
| 7 | Jema'a | Kafanchan | 1,384 | 453667 | South |
| 8 | Kachia | Kachia | 4,529 | 411833 | South |
| 9 | Kaduna North | Magajin Gari | 70 | 594514 | Central |
| 10 | Kaduna South Smallest | Makera | 59 | 656769 | Central |
| 11 | Kagarko | Kagarko | 2,356 | 389867 | South |
| 12 | Kajuru | Kajuru | 2,229 | 179038 | Central |
| 13 | Kaura | Kaura | 461 | 284784 | South |
| 14 | Kauru | Kauru | — | 360836 | South |
| 15 | Kubau | Anchau | 2,505 | 457751 | North |
| 16 | Kudan | Hunkuyi | 345 | 226613 | North |
| 17 | Lere | Saminaka | 2,231 | 554004 | North |
| 18 | Makarfi | Makarfi | 541 | 239086 | North |
| 19 | Sabon Gari | Sabon Gari | 479 | 475191 | North |
| 20 | Sanga | Gwantu | 1,821 | 247033 | South |
| 21 | Soba | Maigana | 2,234 | 474860 | North |
| 22 | Zangon Kataf | Zonkwa | 2,489 | 520227 | South |
| 23 | Zaria | Zaria | 563 | 663723 | North |
23 LGAs total. Combined land area: 38,700 km².
Detailed Profile of Each LGA in Kaduna State
Each Local Government Area in Kaduna State has a distinct character, history, and economic function. Below is a comprehensive profile of all 23 LGAs.
Birnin Gwari LGA
Birnin Gwari is one of the largest LGAs in Kaduna State by land area and forms part of the western Kaduna agricultural and forest zone. Agriculture is the main economic activity, particularly yam, maize and other food crops. Livestock production, local trade and mineral resources including gold and quartzite also contribute to the economy.
Full profile of Birnin Gwari LGA →Chikun LGA
Chikun is one of Kaduna State's strategically located LGAs and contains extensive urban and peri-urban development around Kaduna. Agriculture is important, with maize, millet, groundnuts and other crops. The LGA also benefits from its proximity to Kaduna city through commerce, transport, housing, services and industrial activities.
Full profile of Chikun LGA →Giwa LGA
Giwa is an agricultural LGA north of Kaduna city with extensive rural settlements. Agriculture dominates the local economy. Major activities include cultivation of maize, millet, sorghum, groundnuts and other grains, together with livestock rearing and local trade.
Full profile of Giwa LGA →Igabi LGA
Igabi is one of the most populous LGAs in Kaduna State and includes major parts of the Kaduna metropolitan area. Agriculture, commerce, transport, real estate and services are important. Rice and maize production are prominent, while the LGA benefits from its close integration with the Kaduna metropolitan economy.
Full profile of Igabi LGA →Ikara LGA
Ikara is an agricultural LGA in northern Kaduna. Agriculture is the main economic activity, with millet, maize, sorghum, groundnuts and livestock production. Local markets support trade in agricultural commodities.
Full profile of Ikara LGA →Jaba LGA
Jaba is historically important because of its association with the Nok archaeological tradition and is one of the recognised ginger-producing areas of Kaduna State. Agriculture is central to the economy, particularly ginger production. Other activities include maize and food-crop farming, livestock rearing, trading and small-scale processing.
Full profile of Jaba LGA →Jema'a LGA
Jema'a is one of the major LGAs of southern Kaduna and contains Kafanchan, one of the region's important commercial towns. Agriculture is a major activity, particularly ginger, maize and yam production. Kafanchan is an important commercial centre, while education, transport and services support the local economy.
Full profile of Jema'a LGA →Kachia LGA
Kachia is a large agricultural LGA in southern Kaduna and is particularly associated with ginger production. Agriculture is dominant, with ginger, groundnuts, maize and food crops. Livestock rearing, pottery, trade and agricultural processing are also important.
Full profile of Kachia LGA →Kaduna North LGA
Kaduna North is a highly urbanised LGA within Kaduna metropolis and contains many important government and commercial institutions. Commerce, government, education, banking, hospitality, transport and services dominate the economy. The LGA forms one of the most urbanised parts of Kaduna State.
Full profile of Kaduna North LGA →Kaduna South LGA
Kaduna South is one of the most urbanised and economically active LGAs in Kaduna State. Manufacturing, commerce, services, transport, construction and small-scale industries are major activities. The LGA also contains important industrial infrastructure and is closely integrated with Kaduna metropolis.
Full profile of Kaduna South LGA →Kagarko LGA
Kagarko is a large southern Kaduna LGA bordering the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Niger and Nasarawa areas. Agriculture dominates, especially yam and maize cultivation. Cattle rearing, trading and small-scale mining are also important.
Full profile of Kagarko LGA →Kajuru LGA
Kajuru is known for its mountainous landscapes and the famous Kajuru Castle. Agriculture is the main economic activity, particularly maize, yam and millet. Tourism, livestock and local trade are also important.
Full profile of Kajuru LGA →Kaura LGA
Kaura is a culturally diverse southern Kaduna LGA with prominent hill landscapes and agricultural communities. Agriculture is important, including maize, yam, ginger and other crops. Livestock, local trade and tourism also contribute to the economy.
Full profile of Kaura LGA →Kauru LGA
Kauru is an agricultural LGA in the southern part of Kaduna State. Agriculture is the major economic activity, including maize, yam, millet and other food crops. Livestock rearing and local trading are also important.
Full profile of Kauru LGA →Kubau LGA
Kubau is an agricultural LGA in northern Kaduna and was formed from the former Ikara administrative area. Agriculture is dominant, including sugarcane, maize, millet, groundnuts and other crops. Iron ore, tin and other mineral resources also occur in the area.
Full profile of Kubau LGA →Kudan LGA
Kudan is a relatively small northern Kaduna LGA with a predominantly agricultural economy. Agriculture, livestock, hunting, blacksmithing and local trade are important economic activities. Grain and vegetable production supports local markets.
Full profile of Kudan LGA →Lere LGA
Lere is a large agricultural LGA in northern Kaduna with Saminaka as its headquarters. Agriculture is central to the economy, with maize, potatoes, sorghum and other crops. Livestock, trade and agricultural produce markets are also important.
Full profile of Lere LGA →Makarfi LGA
Makarfi is a predominantly agricultural LGA in northern Kaduna. Agriculture is the main economic activity, with grain production, livestock rearing and local trading supporting livelihoods.
Full profile of Makarfi LGA →Sabon Gari LGA
Sabon Gari forms part of the wider Zaria metropolitan area and is an important educational and commercial centre. Commerce, education, agriculture, transport, hospitality and small-scale manufacturing are important. The presence of Ahmadu Bello University strongly supports the service economy.
Full profile of Sabon Gari LGA →Sanga LGA
Sanga is located in southern Kaduna and has a diverse cultural and agricultural landscape. Agriculture is the main economic activity, including maize, yam, ginger and other crops. Livestock, hunting, trading and local processing also contribute.
Full profile of Sanga LGA →Soba LGA
Soba is a large agricultural LGA in northern Kaduna. Agriculture is the main economic activity, particularly millet, maize and sorghum. Livestock rearing, hunting, craft production and local trade also support the economy.
Full profile of Soba LGA →Zangon Kataf LGA
Zangon Kataf is one of the most important cultural and agricultural LGAs in southern Kaduna. Agriculture is the main economic activity, with yam, maize, millet, ginger and other crops. Livestock, commerce and agricultural processing are also important.
Full profile of Zangon Kataf LGA →Zaria LGA
Zaria is one of Kaduna State's most historic cities and the traditional centre of the Zazzau Emirate. Education, agriculture, commerce, trade, services and small-scale manufacturing are major economic activities. Zaria is one of northern Nigeria's most important education and cultural centres.
Full profile of Zaria LGA →About Local Government Areas in Kaduna State
Local Government Areas (LGAs) are the third tier of government in Nigeria, below the federal and state governments. Kaduna State has 23 LGAs.
What Is an LGA Chairman?
Each LGA in Kaduna State is headed by an elected Local Government Chairman.
History of LGA Creation in Nigeria
Nigeria's current 774 LGAs were created through a series of administrative reforms. For the full story, see the guide to History of State Creation in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kaduna State LGAs
How many local government areas does Kaduna State have?
Kaduna State has 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
What are the 23 local governments of Kaduna State?
The 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State are: Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Ikara, Jaba, Jema'a, Kachia, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Kagarko, Kajuru, Kaura, Kauru, Kubau, Kudan, Lere, Makarfi, Sabon Gari, Sanga, Soba, Zangon Kataf, Zaria.
What is the biggest local government in Kaduna State?
Birnin Gwari LGA is the largest local government area in Kaduna State by land area, covering approximately 6,185 km². Its headquarters is Birnin Gwari.
What is the smallest local government in Kaduna State?
Kaduna South LGA is the smallest local government area in Kaduna State by land area, covering approximately 59 km².
Which local government area in Kaduna State is the richest?
Economic value varies by LGA based on natural resources, commerce, and infrastructure. The LGA containing the state capital — Kaduna — typically has the highest concentration of economic activity and government institutions.
What is an LGA in Nigeria?
LGA stands for Local Government Area. It is the third tier of government in Nigeria, below the federal government and state governments. Nigeria has 774 LGAs in total across its 36 states and the FCT. Each LGA is headed by an elected chairman and councillors. LGAs receive federal allocations monthly from the Federation Account and are responsible for primary education, basic healthcare, community development, and local roads.