Jigawa

Jigawa State is a state in north-western Nigeria, created in 1991 from Kano State. Its capital, Dutse, is a relatively small and quiet administrative town. The state is named after the Jigawa River, which flows through the state. It is predominantly Hausa-Fulani and largely rural, with agriculture as the mainstay of the economy.

The landscape is typical Sahelian savannah, with the Hadejia River and its tributaries providing irrigation for rice, groundnuts, and vegetables. The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands are an important ecological zone for migratory birds. Jigawa is one of Nigeria's safest states and has a strong tradition of Islamic learning.

The dry season (November–April) is the best time to visit. The rainy season (June–September) brings the Hadejia River floods.

The dry season (November–April) is best. The rainy season (June–September) can cause flooding. The Argungu Fishing Festival (though in Kebbi) and the Dutse Durbar are major events.

The nearest airport is Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (KAN), about 100 km from Dutse. Major roads connect Dutse to Kano (1.5 hrs), Hadejia (1.5 hrs), and Gumel. Buses and shared taxis connect all towns.

• Dutse — the state capital, with the Dutse Emir's Palace and the Jigawa State Government House
• Hadejia — a historic town on the Hadejia River, a centre of the Hadejia Emirate
• Gumel — a town in the north, the seat of the Gumel Emirate
• Kazaure — a town in the west, the seat of the Kazaure Emirate
• Birnin Kudu — a town in the south, the headquarters of Birnin Kudu LGA
• Ringim — a town in the north, an agricultural market centre
• Gwaram — a town in the south, near the border with Bauchi State
• Kafin Hausa — a town in the east, on the Hadejia River
• Maigatari — a town on the Niger border, a livestock market centre
• Babura — a town in the north-west, on the border with Niger

Hausa cuisine dominates: Tuwo Shinkafa, Miyan Kuka, Masa, Kilishi, and Fura da Nono. Rice and groundnuts from the Hadejia valley are local specialties.

The Dutse Durbar (Eid) features the Emir's cavalry. The Hadejia Emirate is one of the oldest in northern Nigeria. The Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands are important for eco-tourism.

• Visit the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands — a major bird migration stopover, with boat trips
• Attend the Dutse Durbar — a traditional horse-riding festival
• Explore the Hadejia Emirate Palace — a historic Fulani palace
• See the Dutse White Rock — a notable natural landmark