Gwiwa is a Local Government Area in Jigawa State, north-western Nigeria, headquartered at Gwiwa town in the south-east of the state. Located in the Sudan-savanna belt of northern Nigeria, the LGA covers approximately 450 km² and recorded a 2006 census population of 124,517, with current estimates near 178,900. the township postal code is 705, used across the LGA’s 11 wards.
Towns and Villages
The LGA contains the following named settlements:
| Settlement | Settlement | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Buntusu | Daabi | Darina |
| Firjin Yamma | Guntai | Gwiwa |
| Korau | Korayel | Saum Sainawa |
| Shafe | Yola |
Geography
Gwiwa sits on the southern Jigawa plains at 400–500 m elevation, bounded north by Roni, west by Yankwashi, south by Kazaure and east by Maigatari. Seasonal streams drain the LGA toward the Hadejia-Jamaare river system. Sandy lateritic soils support rain-fed cereal cultivation, with fadama wetlands along the lower courses.
Demographics
The 2006 census recorded 124,517 residents; current estimates near 178,900. The Hausa-Fulani are the homogeneous indigenous population. Hausa is the working language alongside English, and Islam predominates.
Economy and Local Life
Gwiwa LGA’s economy rests on rain-fed and dry-season agriculture, with millet, sorghum, groundnuts and onions the principal crops. Fulani pastoralists maintain large cattle and small-ruminant herds. Weekly markets at Gwiwa town and Yola serve as regional trade hubs with strong cross-border links to Kazaure.
Administrative Divisions
Gwiwa is organised into 11 wards, with the council secretariat at Gwiwa town. Major settlements include Gwiwa (the headquarters), Buntusu, Daabi, Darina, Firjin Yamma, Guntai, Korau, Korayel, Saum Sainawa, Shafe and Yola.
History
Gwiwa LGA was created in 1996 by the Sani Abacha administration when it was carved out of the parent Kazaure LGA. The constituent settlements share pre-colonial ties to the Kazaure Emirate, with several maintaining traditional district headships under the emirate council.
Getting There
Gwiwa is reached via the Kano–Kazaure–Daura road network, with Kazaure (25 km south) the principal regional centre. Kano lies 100 km south-west, and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is approximately 110 km south-west.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Gwiwa?
Gwiwa is a Local Government Area in Jigawa State, north-western Nigeria, headquartered at Gwiwa town in the south-east of the state.
What is the population of Gwiwa?
The 2006 census recorded 124,517 residents in Gwiwa LGA. Current estimates approach 178,900.
How big is Gwiwa?
Gwiwa LGA covers approximately 450 square kilometres of Sudan-savanna plain.
What is the postal code of Gwiwa?
The Gwiwa postal code is 705, used across the LGA’s 11 wards.
What towns are in Gwiwa?
Gwiwa contains 11 settlements: Gwiwa (headquarters), Buntusu, Daabi, Darina, Firjin Yamma, Guntai, Korau, Korayel, Saum Sainawa, Shafe and Yola.
What is the economy of Gwiwa?
Gwiwa’s economy is anchored by rain-fed and dry-season agriculture — millet, sorghum, groundnuts and onions — supplemented by Fulani cattle and small-ruminant pastoralism.