Niger State sits in Nigeria’s North Central zone, with its capital at Minna. The state has 25 local government areas and recorded a population of 3,954,772 at the 2006 census, projected to 6,783,300 by 2022. Every LGA below links to its full town-and-village list where we cover it.
Local Government Areas in Niger State
The table below lists all 25 local government areas in Niger State, in alphabetical order, with population figures from the 2006 census and the 2022 projection. LGA names link through to a full profile of towns, districts, and villages on this site where we cover that LGA.
| LGA | 2006 census | 2022 projection |
|---|---|---|
| Agaie | 132,098 | 226,600 |
| Agwara | 57,347 | 98,400 |
| Bida | 185,553 | 318,300 |
| Borgu | 172,835 | 296,500 |
| Bosso | 148,136 | 254,100 |
| Chanchaga | 202,151 | 346,700 |
| Edati | 159,818 | 274,100 |
| Gbako | 126,845 | 217,600 |
| Gurara | 90,879 | 155,900 |
| Katcha | 120,893 | 207,400 |
| Kontagora | 151,968 | 260,700 |
| Lapai | 117,021 | 200,700 |
| Lavun | 209,777 | 359,800 |
| Magama | 181,470 | 311,300 |
| Mariga | 199,600 | 342,400 |
| Mashegu | 215,197 | 369,100 |
| Mokwa | 242,858 | 416,600 |
| Muya | 103,461 | 177,500 |
| Paikoro | 158,178 | 271,300 |
| Rafi | 186,118 | 319,200 |
| Rijau | 176,199 | 302,200 |
| Shiroro | 235,665 | 404,200 |
| Suleja | 215,075 | 368,900 |
| Tafa | 83,874 | 143,900 |
| Wushishi | 81,756 | 140,200 |
Niger State has 25 official local government areas, and 24 of them have full town-and-village lists on this site; only Edati does not yet have a dedicated page.
Geography
Niger State lies in Nigeria’s North Central zone and is the largest state in the country by land area. It borders Kebbi and Zamfara states to the north, Kaduna State to the northeast, the Federal Capital Territory and Kogi State to the south and southeast, and Kwara State to the southwest, with a short international boundary against the Republic of Benin in the west. The River Niger flows through the state from the northwest toward the southeast, feeding Kainji Lake, one of Nigeria’s largest reservoirs, held back by the Kainji Dam near the Kebbi border. The state’s terrain runs from floodplains along the Niger and Kaduna rivers in the south to drier savanna country in the north, where Fulani herders graze cattle alongside farming communities. Minna, the capital, sits along major road and rail routes linking northern and southern Nigeria, and Suleja, in the state’s southeast corner, functions as a satellite town for Abuja. The state’s climate is tropical, with a rainy season running roughly from April to October and a dry season for the rest of the year, when the harmattan wind carries dust south from the Sahara.
Economy & Local Life
Farming anchors Niger State’s economy. Farmers across the state grow rice, yam, cassava, sorghum, millet, and guinea corn, and Niger ranks among Nigeria’s leading producers of rice, most of it grown along the Niger and Kaduna river floodplains. Fishing communities work Kainji Lake and the River Niger, supplying fish to markets across the north. Minna and Suleja carry most of the state’s trade, banking, and light manufacturing, and Suleja’s closeness to Abuja has drawn commuters, warehouses, and residential estates. Bida remains known for traditional brass and glass work and for its history as the seat of the Nupe Kingdom. Kontagora and the Kainji-area communities support cattle rearing and cross-border trade toward Benin Republic. Local markets in Bida, Kontagora, and Suleja trade cattle, grain, and craft goods, and draw traders from neighboring states. Minna also hosts the Federal University of Technology and the headquarters of Nigeria’s National Examinations Council, giving the city a role in education alongside trade.
FAQ
How many local government areas are in Niger State?
Niger State has 25 local government areas, grouped into three senatorial districts: Niger East, Niger North, and Niger South.
What is the capital of Niger State?
Minna is the capital of Niger State. It also serves as the seat of the state’s government and judiciary.
What is the population of Niger State?
Niger State recorded a population of 3,954,772 at the 2006 census, projected to reach 6,783,300 by 2022. Nigeria has not conducted a census since 2006, so later figures are projections rather than counts.
Which LGA in Niger State has the largest population?
Mokwa is the largest LGA in Niger State by population, with 242,858 residents at the 2006 census, projected to 416,600 by 2022. Its position on the River Niger makes it a market and transport hub for the state’s south.
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