Provincial administration is set up purely for administrative purposes. The province is headed by three Presidential Appointees; Provincial Minister (Political Head), Permanent Secretary (Administrative Head) and Deputy Permanent Secretary. All central government ministries are represented by the respective departments who are headed by the Head of Departments.
Northern Province is divided into twelve districts, namely, Chilubi District, Kaputa District, Kasama District, Luwingu District, Mbala District, Mporokoso District, Mpulungu District, Mungwi District, Lupososhi District, Senga Hill District, Lunte District and Nsama District. Each District is headed by a District Commissioner, who is appointed by the President.