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Zamfara

“Farming is Our Pride”

Capital Gusau
Zone North West
LGAs 14
Population 4,800,000
2026 Budget ₦871.3B
🏠 14 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Zamfara

Zamfara State is located in the northwestern region of Nigeria. It was created in 1996 and is known for its agricultural activities and mineral resources. The state has experienced both economic growth potential and security challenges in recent years.
Historical Background
The history of Zamfara stretches back over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in what is now northern Nigeria. The Zamfarawa people, from whom the state takes its name, are believed to have migrated from the east and settled the fertile plains between… Read full history →

Explore Zamfara State

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14 LGAs
Local Govts
📄
State Budget
2026: ₦871.3B
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State History
Created 1996
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Tribes
Ethnic groups
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State Map
Interactive map
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Postal Codes
All LGA codes
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Officials
Governor & reps
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Elections
Gov election history

Quick Facts — Zamfara

Official nameZamfara
Capital city Gusau
Slogan / MottoFarming is Our Pride
Geo-political zone North West
Local govt areas 14 LGAs →
Population (census) 4,800,000
Population density 121 / km²
Total area 39,762 km²
First governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi (Military Administrator)
2026 budget ₦871.3B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Zamfara

The capital city of Zamfara State is Gusau. It is the seat of the Zamfara State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Zamfara State has 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Zamfara State has a population of 4,800,000. The state capital Gusau is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 121 persons per km².
Zamfara State is in the North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Zamfara State was created in 1996. The first governor was Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi (Military Administrator). Learn more on the Zamfara State History page.
The Zamfara State budget for 2026 is ₦871.3B. See the full breakdown on the Zamfara State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Zamfara State covers a total land area of 39,762 km². With a population density of 121 people per km².

Government Structure

Zamfara State is governed by an Executive Governor and a State House of Assembly. The government focuses on rebuilding infrastructure, improving security, and boosting agricultural productivity across rural communities.

Current Officials

Suleiman Musa
Commissioner for Finance
PDP
Since 2023
Mahdi Aliyu Gusau
Deputy Governor
APC
Since 2023
Dauda Lawal
Governor
APC
Since 2023
Bello Matawalle
Minister of State Defence
APC
Since 2023
Bilyaminu Moriki
State Assembly Speaker
PDP
Since 2023

Economy of Zamfara

The economy of Zamfara is largely based on agriculture, livestock farming, and artisanal mining. The state is known for gold deposits and other mineral resources, although mining activities are still developing.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 5 million people. The state is predominantly Hausa-Fulani with Islam as the major religion and strong rural community structures.
4,800,000
Population
39,762
Area km²
121
Per km²
14
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Zamfara

Zamfara has a rich cultural heritage with traditional Hausa-Fulani customs. Popular cultural expressions include festivals, traditional music, and crafts. Tourist attractions include natural landscapes, historical sites, and traditional emirate institutions.

Local Government Areas in Zamfara

14 LGAs

Anka
HQ: Anka
260,000
Population

Known for gold mining and the Anka emirate. Important mineral and agricultural LGA in Zamfara.

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Bakura
HQ: Bakura
175,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming. Security challenges from banditry affect the area.

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Birnin Magaji
HQ: Birnin Magaji
175,000
Population

Known for the Birnin Magaji emirate and groundnut farming. Agricultural LGA in central Zamfara.

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Bukkuyum
HQ: Bukkuyum
185,000
Population

Known for gold mining and the Bukkuyum emirate. Important mineral-rich LGA in western Zamfara.

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Bungudu
HQ: Bungudu
270,000
Population

Known for sorghum, millet and groundnut farming. Agricultural LGA in eastern Zamfara.

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Gummi
HQ: Gummi
250,000
Population

Known for the Gummi emirate and groundnut farming. Important commercial LGA in western Zamfara.

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Gusau
HQ: Gusau
450,000
Population

Contains Gusau, the Zamfara State capital. Home to the sultan of Gusau emirate and state institutions.

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Kaura Namoda
HQ: Kaura Namoda
310,000
Population

Major commercial city, second largest in Zamfara. Known for cotton, groundnuts and livestock trade.

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Maradun
HQ: Maradun
195,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for millet and groundnut farming. Communities also engage in cattle rearing.

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Maru
HQ: Maru
240,000
Population

Known for groundnuts, cotton and the Maru emirate. Agricultural LGA in eastern Zamfara.

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Shinkafi
HQ: Shinkafi
230,000
Population

Border LGA with Niger Republic. Known for cross-border trade, groundnuts and cattle.

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Talata Mafara
HQ: Talata Mafara
330,000
Population

Major agricultural LGA known for groundnuts, cotton and the Talata Mafara emirate.

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Tsafe
HQ: Tsafe
265,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for groundnuts and millet. Important commercial LGA in eastern Zamfara.

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Zurmi
HQ: Zurmi
245,000
Population

Known for the Zurmi emirate and groundnut farming. Agricultural LGA in western Zamfara.

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History of Zamfara State

The history of Zamfara stretches back over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in what is now northern Nigeria. The Zamfarawa people, from whom the state takes its name, are believed to have migrated from the east and settled the fertile plains between the Sokoto and Zamf…
Historical Kingdoms: Zamfara Emirate, Katsina Kingdom, Kebbi Kingdom, Gobir Kingdom
🕐 Read Full History of Zamfara →

2026 Appropriation

₦871.3B
Total Budget — Zamfara State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Zamfara State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Zamfara State under Governor Dauda Lawal totals ₦871.3B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Zamfara State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →