Zamfara State

Zamfara is a state of Nigeria, with its capital Gusau, who is with 226 873 inhabitants (2005) and largest city.

Geography

The state is in the northwest of the country, bordered to the north by the Sokoto State and the Republic of Niger, the south by the states of Niger and Kaduna, on the west by the Kebbi State, on the northeast by the Katsina State and to the southeast by the state of Kaduna.

History

The state was formed on 1 October 1996 from part of Sokoto State. First administrator was between October 7 1996 and May 1999 Baba Jibril Yakubu. His successor was governor since 29 May 1999 Alhaji Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura.

On 27 October 1999 Zamfara became the first Nigerian state to pass law after the Sharia. Since May 2011 Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari is elected governor of the state.

Management

The state is divided into 14 Local Government Areas. These are: Anka, Bakura, Birnin - Magaji - Kiyaw, Bukkuyum, Bungudu, rubber, Gusau, Kaura - Namoda, Maradun, Maru, Shinkafi, Talata - Mafara, Tsafe and Zurmi.

Economy

The main industry in Zamfara is agriculture. About 80 percent of the working population are employed in it. There are cultivated millet, corn, rice, peanuts, cotton, tobacco and beans.