Baruten Local Government Area
Baruten is the largest Local Government Area in Kwara State by land area and occupies the northwestern part of the state. It shares an international boundary with the Republic of Benin.
Communities & Notable Areas in Baruten LGA
Baruten LGA encompasses the following major communities, neighbourhoods, and areas:
History of Baruten LGA
Geography of Baruten LGA
Economy of Baruten LGA
Baruten has a predominantly rural and agricultural economy. Major activities include crop farming, livestock production, fishing, cross-border trade and local commerce. The LGA benefits from its international boundary with the Republic of Benin, which creates opportunities for informal and formal cr
About Baruten LGA — Key Facts & Context
Baruten Local Government Area (LGA) is one of the many LGAs that make up Kwara State in Nigeria. Local Government Areas are the third tier of government in Nigeria, below the federal and state governments. Each LGA is governed by an elected Local Government Chairman and councillors, responsible for primary education, basic healthcare, local roads, and community development.
Size and Geography
Baruten LGA covers an area of approximately 9,671 km². Its administrative headquarters is at Kosubosu.
History of Baruten LGA Creation
Baruten LGA was formally established in 1976 as part of Nigeria's local government reform exercises carried out by the federal military government. Nigeria's current system of 774 LGAs was built through a series of administrative reforms — most significantly the 1976 reform under General Murtala Muhammed and subsequent exercises in 1991 and 1996. For the full context, see History of State Creation in Nigeria.
Baruten LGA and Kwara State
As part of Kwara State in the North Central geopolitical zone, Baruten LGA contributes to the political, economic, and cultural character of the state. To see all LGAs in Kwara State, visit the full LGA listing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Baruten LGA
What is Baruten LGA known for?
Baruten is the largest Local Government Area in Kwara State by land area and occupies the northwestern part of the state. It shares an international boundary with the Republic of Benin.
What is the headquarters of Baruten LGA?
The headquarters of Baruten LGA is Kosubosu, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Which local government is Baruten in Kwara State?
Baruten is its own Local Government Area (LGA) in Kwara State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is Kosubosu. The LGA covers an area of approximately 9,671 km².
What are the communities in Baruten LGA?
The major communities and notable areas in Baruten LGA include: Kosubosu, Okuta, Yashikira, Igbeti border communities, Gwanara, Shonga, Kenu, Kenu-Tambari, Boriya, Sinau and communities along the Benin border..
When was Baruten LGA created?
Baruten LGA was created in 1976, making it approximately 50 years old. It was established as part of Nigeria's LGA creation exercises under the federal military government.
How large is Baruten LGA in Kwara State?
Baruten LGA covers an area of approximately 9,671 square kilometres (km²), making it one of the LGAs in Kwara State.
What is the population of Baruten LGA?
The estimated population of Baruten LGA is approximately 343731. Note that Nigeria's last official census was conducted in 2006, so current population figures are estimates based on projections.