Kaduna State • Local Government Areas

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.

23 LGAs
38,700 Total km²
6,185 Largest (km²)

Kaduna State LGA Records

Largest LGA by Area Birnin Gwari 6,185 km² HQ: Birnin Gwari
Smallest LGA by Area Kaduna South 59 km² HQ: Makera
State Capital Kaduna Administrative & economic hub

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.

1

Birnin Gwari LGA

Largest by area Central
Headquarters Birnin Gwari
Land area 6,185 km²
Population (est.) 421657
Created 1976
Notable communities & areas:
Birnin Gwari town Kamuku National Park Kuyambana Forest area surrounding farming communities

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 →
2

Chikun LGA

Central
Headquarters Kujama
Land area 4,466 km²
Population (est.) 607097
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Kujama Sabon Tasha Kakau Kujama Gonin Gora Rigachikun River Kaduna corridor

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 →
3

Giwa LGA

Central
Headquarters Giwa
Population (est.) 476847
Created 1989
Notable communities & areas:
Giwa town Galadimawa Yakawada agricultural settlements

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 →
4

Igabi LGA

Central
Headquarters Turunku
Land area 3,222 km²
Population (est.) 702467
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Rigasa Turunku Mando Rigachikun Kaduna International Airport area railway corridor

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 →
5
Headquarters Ikara
Population (est.) 317567
Created 1989
Notable communities & areas:
Ikara town Pambegua rural farming settlements

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 →
6
Headquarters Kwoi
Land area 531 km²
Population (est.) 254318
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Kwoi Nok Village Nok archaeological areas Fadan Karshi

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 →
7
Headquarters Kafanchan
Land area 1,384 km²
Population (est.) 453667
Created 1976
Notable communities & areas:
Kafanchan Kagoro Hills Matsirga Waterfalls Gidan Waya Fadan Kagoma

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 →
8
Headquarters Kachia
Land area 4,529 km²
Population (est.) 411833
Created 1976
Notable communities & areas:
Kachia town Kachia Grazing Reserve Kujeni agricultural settlements

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 →
Headquarters Magajin Gari
Land area 70 km²
Population (est.) 594514
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Magajin Gari Kawo Unguwan Sarki Ahmadu Bello Way Kaduna city centre Arewa House

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 →
10

Kaduna South LGA

Smallest by area Central
Headquarters Makera
Land area 59 km²
Population (est.) 656769
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Makera Kakuri Barnawa Tudun Wada Television Sabon Tasha corridor

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 →
11
Headquarters Kagarko
Land area 2,356 km²
Population (est.) 389867
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Kagarko town Jere Idon Kafanchan Road corridor rocky landscapes

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 →
12

Kajuru LGA

Central
Headquarters Kajuru
Land area 2,229 km²
Population (est.) 179038
Created 1997
Notable communities & areas:
Kajuru town Kajuru Castle Kufana Afogo mountainous settlements

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 →
13
Headquarters Kaura
Land area 461 km²
Population (est.) 284784
Created 1989
Notable communities & areas:
Kaura town Manchok Kagoro Fadan Karshi Attakar Atyap communities

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 →
14
Headquarters Kauru
Population (est.) 360836
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Kauru town Kamaru Dawaki southern Kaduna farming settlements

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 →
15
Headquarters Anchau
Land area 2,505 km²
Population (est.) 457751
Created 1995
Notable communities & areas:
Anchau Kubau Dutsen Wai agricultural communities

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 →
16
Headquarters Hunkuyi
Land area 345 km²
Population (est.) 226613
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Hunkuyi Kudan town Makarfi border communities farming settlements

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 →
17
Headquarters Saminaka
Land area 2,231 km²
Population (est.) 554004
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Saminaka Lere town Saminaka Hills agricultural settlements

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 →
18
Headquarters Makarfi
Land area 541 km²
Population (est.) 239086
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Makarfi town Dandamisa farming settlements

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 →
Headquarters Sabon Gari
Land area 479 km²
Population (est.) 475191
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Sabon Gari Samaru Basawa Ahmadu Bello University area Zaria metropolitan area

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 →
20
Headquarters Gwantu
Land area 1,821 km²
Population (est.) 247033
Created 1991
Notable communities & areas:
Gwantu Ninzam communities Gwantu hills agricultural settlements

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 →
21
Headquarters Maigana
Land area 2,234 km²
Population (est.) 474860
Created 1989
Notable communities & areas:
Maigana Soba town Anchau road corridor agricultural settlements

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 →
Headquarters Zonkwa
Land area 2,489 km²
Population (est.) 520227
Created 1989
Notable communities & areas:
Zonkwa Zangon Kataf town Samaru Kataf Atyap communities Kagoro area

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 →
23
Headquarters Zaria
Land area 563 km²
Population (est.) 663723
Created 1976
Notable communities & areas:
Zaria city Zaria Emirate Emir's Palace Sabon Gari border historic city walls Zaria Dam

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.