All 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State
Complete list of every LGA in Zamfara State — headquarters, land area, population, notable communities, and key economic facts.
Zamfara State LGA Records
Complete List of LGAs in Zamfara State
| # | LGA Name | Headquarters | Area (km²) | Population (est.) | Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anka | Anka | 2,746 | 260610 | Western Zone |
| 2 | Bakura | Bakura | 1,366 | 339188 | Western Zone |
| 3 | Birnin Magaji | Birnin Magaji | 1,188 | 333050 | Northern Zone |
| 4 | Bukkuyum | Bukkuyum | 3,214 | 392298 | Western Zone |
| 5 | Bungudu | Bungudu | 2,293 | 483210 | Central Zone |
| 6 | Gummi | Gummi | 2,610 | 374356 | Western Zone |
| 7 | Gusau | Gusau | 3,364 | 716835 | Central Zone |
| 8 | Kaura Namoda | Kaura Namoda | 868 | 532085 | Northern Zone |
| 9 | Maradun | Maradun | 2,728 | 375486 | Western Zone |
| 10 | Maru Largest | Maru | 6,654 | 547575 | Central Zone |
| 11 | Shinkafi Smallest | Shinkafi | 674 | 248138 | Northern Zone |
| 12 | Talata Mafara | Talata Mafara | 1,430 | 390174 | Western Zone |
| 13 | Tsafe | Tsafe | 1,698 | 484098 | Central Zone |
| 14 | Zurmi | Zurmi | 2,834 | 533460 | Northern Zone |
14 LGAs total. Combined land area: 33,667 km².
Detailed Profile of Each LGA in Zamfara State
Each Local Government Area in Zamfara State has a distinct character, history, and economic function. Below is a comprehensive profile of all 14 LGAs.
Anka LGA
Anka is one of the historic Local Government Areas of Zamfara State and is known for agriculture and mineral resources. Agriculture, livestock, gold mining, trading and small-scale commerce are important activities. Crops include millet, sorghum, maize, groundnut and beans.
Full profile of Anka LGA →Bakura LGA
Bakura is an agricultural LGA located in southern Zamfara near the boundary with neighbouring states. Agriculture and livestock dominate the local economy, with millet, sorghum, maize, rice, groundnut and beans among important products.
Full profile of Bakura LGA →Birnin Magaji LGA
Birnin Magaji/Kiyaw is one of Zamfara's 14 LGAs and contains important agricultural communities. Agriculture, livestock rearing, trading and small-scale mining contribute to the local economy.
Full profile of Birnin Magaji LGA →Bukkuyum LGA
Bukkuyum is one of the larger LGAs in Zamfara by land area. Agriculture, livestock, trading and mining are important economic activities. The area has also experienced environmental concerns associated with informal mining.
Full profile of Bukkuyum LGA →Bungudu LGA
Bungudu is one of the major agricultural LGAs in Zamfara and contains the historic Kwatarkwashi area. Agriculture, livestock, trading and mineral-related activities are important. Millet, sorghum, maize, groundnut and beans are widely cultivated.
Full profile of Bungudu LGA →Gummi LGA
Gummi is located in western Zamfara and has important agricultural and river-related economic activities. Farming, livestock, fishing, trading and small-scale processing are important sources of livelihood.
Full profile of Gummi LGA →Gusau LGA
Gusau is the capital of Zamfara State and the most important administrative and commercial centre. Gusau has the state's most diversified urban economy, including government, commerce, education, construction, transport, services and agricultural trading.
Full profile of Gusau LGA →Kaura Namoda LGA
Kaura Namoda is one of the most important commercial and educational centres in Zamfara. Commerce, agriculture, livestock, transport, education and small-scale industry are major economic activities.
Full profile of Kaura Namoda LGA →Maradun LGA
Maradun is an agricultural LGA in southern-western Zamfara. Agriculture, livestock, trading and small-scale processing form the backbone of the local economy.
Full profile of Maradun LGA →Maru LGA
Maru is the largest Zamfara LGA by land area and contains important agricultural and conservation landscapes. Agriculture, livestock, forestry, mining and trading are important economic activities. The LGA has extensive land suitable for farming and grazing.
Full profile of Maru LGA →Shinkafi LGA
Shinkafi is located in northern Zamfara close to the Niger Republic border. Agriculture, livestock, cross-border commerce and trading are important to the local economy.
Full profile of Shinkafi LGA →Talata Mafara LGA
Talata Mafara is one of Zamfara's important agricultural and commercial centres. Irrigated agriculture, farming, livestock, trading and agro-processing are major economic activities. Rice and other crops benefit from irrigation around the Bakolori area.
Full profile of Talata Mafara LGA →Tsafe LGA
Tsafe is a historic Zamfara settlement and an important agricultural centre. Agriculture, livestock, trading and mining are important. Food crops including millet, sorghum, maize, beans and groundnut are widely cultivated.
Full profile of Tsafe LGA →Zurmi LGA
Zurmi is one of the larger LGAs in northern Zamfara and has important agricultural and cross-border links. Agriculture, livestock, trading and cross-border commerce are major economic activities. Millet, sorghum, maize, groundnut and beans are important crops.
Full profile of Zurmi LGA →About Local Government Areas in Zamfara State
Local Government Areas (LGAs) are the third tier of government in Nigeria, below the federal and state governments. Zamfara State has 14 LGAs.
What Is an LGA Chairman?
Each LGA in Zamfara 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 — Zamfara State LGAs
How many local government areas does Zamfara State have?
Zamfara State has 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
What are the 14 local governments of Zamfara State?
The 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State are: Anka, Bakura, Birnin Magaji, Bukkuyum, Bungudu, Gummi, Gusau, Kaura Namoda, Maradun, Maru, Shinkafi, Talata Mafara, Tsafe, Zurmi.
What is the biggest local government in Zamfara State?
Maru LGA is the largest local government area in Zamfara State by land area, covering approximately 6,654 km². Its headquarters is Maru.
What is the smallest local government in Zamfara State?
Shinkafi LGA is the smallest local government area in Zamfara State by land area, covering approximately 674 km².
Which local government area in Zamfara State is the richest?
Economic value varies by LGA based on natural resources, commerce, and infrastructure. The LGA containing the state capital — Gusau — 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.