Niger state located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria. It is also the largest state in the country. The capital of Niger state is Minna. It was formed in 1976 when the then North-Western State was divided into Niger State and Sokoto state. Niger state is named after the River Niger. This article covers all local government areas in Niger state and other information you need to know about each of them.
List of Local Governments in Niger State
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Agaie
Agaje has its headquarters in the town of Agaie. According to the 2006 census, Agaie has a population of 132,907 people. The postal code of the area is 911. Agaie used to be a 19th-century state which covers the land used as the present LGA. It was originally inhabited by Nupe people. However, it became an emirate and part of the Fulani empire in 1822. In the early 20th century, the land became a part of the British Empire.
Agwara
Agwara has its headquarters in the town of Agwara. According to the 2006 census, Agwara has a population of 57,413 people. The postal code of the area is 923
Bida
Bida is a city and LGA. It is in fact the second-largest city in Niger State. A 2007 census puts Bida with an estimated population of 178,840 people. Bida LGA is located southwest of Minna, the capital of Niger state. It is a dry, arid town known for its production of traditional crafts, articrafts and brass wares. Bida is also known for the celebration of the Durbar festival and the Nupe Day Festival. The major ethnic group in Bida is the Nupe. Bida is also the headquarters of the Nupe Kingdom.
Borgu
The people of Borgu are known as Bariba and Borgawa people. Borgu LGA used to be part of Kwara State. It was transferred to Niger state on the 27th of August 1991. According to the 1991 census, Borgu LGA had a total population of 110,000 people. Borgu LGA has a mixed ethnic population. Borgu LGA contains part of the Borgu Game Reserve which is a part of the Kainji National Park.
Bosso
Bosso is a Local Government Area in Niger State. Its headquarters are in the town of Maikunkele. Bosso is the home of one of the campuses of the Federal University of Technology Minna. In 2014, Bosso became home to thousands of refugees who were fleeing Borno State.
Chanchaga Chachango headquarters is in the state capital, Minna. According to the 2006 census, the LGA has a population of 201,429 people.
Gurara
Gurara lies next to the Federal Capital Territory. Its headquarters are in the town of Gawu. The major inhabitants of Gurara are the Gwari people. The Gurara waterfalls is also found here.
According to the 2006 census, Gurara has a population of 90,974 people.
Katcha
Katcha has its headquarters in the town of Katcha. According to the 2006 census, Katcha has a population of 122,176 people. The Katcha local government council was established in 1981 when the Federal Government decided to create more Local Government Councils in order to bring the government closer to the people at the grassroots. Katcha was then carved out of the then Gbako Local Government,
Kontagora
Kantagora is a major and famous town in Niger State. It is the capital city of the Kontagora Emirate.
Lapai
Lapai LGA adjoins the Federal Capital Territory. Its headquarters are in the town of Lapai. According to the 2006 census, it has a population of 110,127 people. The area is where the Lapai Emirate is located.
Lavun
Lavun has its headquarters in the town of Kutigi. According to the 2006 census, Lavun has a population of 209,917 people.
Magama
Magama has its headquarters are in the town of Nasko. According to the 2006 census, Magama has a population of 181,653 people.
Mariga
Mariga has its headquarters in the town of Bangi. The Kamuku languages are spoken in Mariga LGA. According to the 2006 census, Mariga has a population of 199,430 people. Mariga is often the commercial center of the Northern part of Niger State. It is also the second-largest local government in the state. The mainstay of the economy at Mariga is agriculture and Trade.
Mashegu
Mashegu has its headquarters in the town of Mashegu. Mashegu shares boundaries with the Niger River to its west and the Kaduna river to the northeast. According to the 2006 census, Mashegu has a population of 215,022 people.
Mokwa
Mokwa has its headquarters in the town of Mokwa. The town is famous for its production of tradition crafts, hoes, cutlasses and melon processing. The town is also inhabited by people of different tribes. The people of Mokwa celebrate the sallah festival in a huge way.
Munya
According to the 2006 census, Munya has a population of 103,651 people. The main inhabitants of Munya are the Gwari people. The main occupation in Munya is farming.
Paikoro
Paikoro local government has its headquarters in Paiko town. According to the 2006 census, Paikoro has a population of 158,086 people.
Rafi
The headquarters of Rafi are in the town of Kagara. The local government shares boundaries with the Kaduna River to its South. According to the 2006 census, Rafi has a population of 181,929 people.
Rijau
Rijau has its headquarters in the town of Rijau. According to the 2006 census, Rijau has a population of 176,053 people.
Shiroro
Shiroro has its headquarters in the town of Kuta. According and a population of 235,404 at the 2006 census.
Suleja
Suleja is a city in Niger State, often confused with Abuja itself because of its nearness to Abuja. Suleja in Niger state is the capital of the Suleja Emirate. Suleja was established in the early 19th century by Mohammed Makau. Ancient sculptures of the Nok culture have been discovered at Suleja town. Today, Suleja is famous as an exporter of Gbari pottery. The main occupations in Suleja are cotton weaving, dyeing, and farming.
Tafa
Tafa local government is attached to Abuja. Its headquarters is in the town of Wuse. According to the 2006 census, Tafa has a population of 83,544 people.
Wushishi
Wushishi has its headquarters in the town of Wushishi.