10 largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria by population
Did you know Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa? This West African nation is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These are further divided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGA) to ensure proper administration at the grassroots level. Discover the largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria by population.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Top 10 largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria by population
- Which are the top 20 largest local governments in Nigeria by land mass?
- Which local government in Nigeria has the largest population?
- Which are the top 5 largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria?
- Which local government is the largest in Nigeria
- Which LGA is the smallest in Nigeria?
- Which state in Nigeria has the largest local government area?
- Which state in Nigeria has the highest number of LGAs?
- Which LGA is the richest LGA in Nigeria?
Key takeaways
- The most populous local government in Nigeria has over a million people.
- LGA authorities are located in various states and are tasked with service provision to the people.
- They deal with public health, education, town planning, local transport, and waste disposal.
- The population of the largest ranges from 538,558 to 1,319,571, according to the 2006 census. As for the 2022 population projection, the figure climbs to 774,600 - 1,953,500.
Top 10 largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria by population
Below is the list of the largest local governments in Nigeria based on the last census conducted in 2006. The population is projected to have increased since then. The next census has not yet happened, with talks of it happening in 2026, but as of this writing, the census has yet to materialize.
Rank | LGA | State | Population census 2006 | Population projection 2022 |
1 | Alimosho | Lagos State | 1,319,571 | 1,953,500 |
2 | Abuja Municipal Area Council | Federal Capital Territory | 776,298 | 1,693,400 |
3 | Ajeromi-Ifelodun | Lagos State | 687,316 | 1,017,500 |
4 | Kosofe | Lagos State | 682,772 | 1,010,800 |
5 | Mushin | Lagos State | 631,857 | 935,400 |
6 | Oshodi-Isolo | Lagos State | 629,061 | 931,300 |
7 | Ojo | Lagos State | 609,173 | 901,800 |
8 | Nasarawa | Kano State | 596,411 | 980,900 |
9 | Maiduguri | Borno State | 540,016 | 791,200 |
10 | Port-Harcourt | Rivers State | 538,558 | 774,600 |
10. Port-Harcourt - 538,558
Source: UGC
- LGA: Port-Harcourt
- Population (2006): 538,558
- Population (2022 projection): 774,600
Port Harcourt LGA is located in Rivers State. Port-Harcourt has several districts, including Oroabali, Orolozu, Rumuobiekwe, Nkpogu, Abuloma, Ogbunabali, New GRA, and Diobu.
People from diverse ethnic groups reside in this LGA, and Christianity is the predominant religion. English and Pidgin are the most commonly spoken languages.
9. Maiduguri - 540,016
Source: UGC
- LGA: Port-Harcourt
- Population (2006): 540,016
- Population (2022 projection): 791,200
Maiduguri LGA is situated in Borno State and is also the state's capital. It is often regarded among the top 50 largest local government areas in Nigeria, both in land mass and in terms of population. Maiduguri's districts include Maiduguri Urban, Bulablin I & II, Bolori I & II, Gamboru Liberty, Jabba Mari, Gwange I & II, Shehuri North, Lamisula, Shehiri South, Limanti, and Mafoni. Fulani, Shuwa, Bura, Hausa, and Margi people are the predominant inhabitants of this LGA.
8. Nasarawa - 596,411
Source: UGC
- LGA: Nasarawa
- Population (2006): 596,411
- Population (2022 projection): 980,900
The Nasarawa LGA is one of the 13 LGAs in Nasarawa State. Its districts include Udege, Loko, Bakono, Aissa, Guto Aguba, Ataga, Angewa, Aza, Gwafa, Dora, and Ayele. It had about 596,411 people per the last census.
7. Ojo - 609,173
Source: UGC
- LGA: Ojo
- Population (2006): 609,173
- Population (2022 projection): 901,800
Ojo LGA is among the 20 LGAs in the state of Lagos. Ojo's districts are Olojo, Ira, Alaba, Ojo, Shibiri, Okokomaiko, Abule Ade, Ilogbo, and Idoluwo. Yoruba is the most commonly spoken language, and the predominant religions are Christianity and Islam.
6. Oshodi-Isolo - 629,061
Source: UGC
- LGA: Ojo
- Population (2006): 629,061
- Population (2022 projection): 931,300
Oshodi-Isolo is an LGA located northwest of Lagos City. Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the second republic Governor of Lagos State, formed it. Oshodi-Isolo LGA had a human population of 629,061 in the 2006 census.
5. Mushin - 631,857
Source: UGC
- LGA: Mushin
- Population (2006): 631,857
- Population (2022 projection): 935,400
Mushin LGA is one of the twenty LGAs in Lagos State, and its headquarters are in the Palm Avenue district. Other districts in the LGA are Ladipo, Matori Industrial estate, Amu, Itire, Idi Oro, Ajeano, and Isolo road. Yoruba and Pidgin English are the predominant languages in Mushin.
4. Kosofe - 682,772
Source: Getty Images
- LGA: Kosofe
- Population (2006): 682,772
- Population (2022 projection): 1,010,800
Kosofe is another LGA in Lagos, and its headquarters are in Ojota town. Its districts include Ojota, Ikosi, Oworonshoki, Ajao Estate, Gbagada, and Ogudu. People from diverse ethnicities reside in this Kosofe LGA, and the Yoruba language is commonly spoken.
3. Ajeromi-Ifelodun - 687,316
Source: UGC
- LGA: Ajeromi-Ifelodun
- Population (2006): 687,316
- Population (2022 projection): 1,017,500
Ajeromi-Ifelodun is located in the Badagry division of the state of Lagos. Its headquarters are in the Ajegunle district. Popular areas in Ajeromi Ifelodun are Orudu, Ashafa, Onibaba, Awodi, Layeni, and Temidire. Christianity and Islam are commonly practised, and the Yoruba tribe is predominant.
2. Abuja Municipal Area Council - 776,298
Source: UGC
- LGA: Abuja Municipal Area Council
- Population (2006): 776,298
- Population (2022 projection): 1,693,400
Abuja Municipal Area Council had a population of 776,298 people in the 2006 census. The number has reportedly increased since then. The Abuja Municipal Area Council LGA was established in October 1984. It has 12 wards, namely Garki, City Centre, GUI, Gwarimpa, Gwagwa, Jiwa, Kabusa, Karshi, Nyanya, Orozo, Wuse, and Karo.
1. Alimosho - 1,319,571
Source: UGC
- LGA: Alimosho
- Population (2006): 1,319,571
- Population (2022 projection): 1,953,500
Alimosho is the largest local government area in Nigeria and Lagos State. It is also the most populated local government in Nigeria, with a population of 1,319,571 in the 2006 census.
The population of Alimosho is predominantly Egbados, and the Yoruba language is widely spoken. The two main religions are Islam and Christianity.
Which are the top 20 largest local governments in Nigeria by land mass?
Here is a table of the top 20 largest LGAs by land mass.
Rank | LGA | State | Land mass |
1 | Borgu | Niger State | 11,267 km² |
2 | Baruten | Kwara State | 9,749 km² |
3 | Mashegu | Niger State | 9,182 km² |
4 | Bali | Taraba State | 9,146 km² |
5 | Gashaka | Taraba State | 8,393 km² |
6 | Maiduguri Metropolitan/Jere | Borno State | 8,000 – 9,500 km² |
7 | Kaiama | Kwara State | 7,125 km² |
8 | Toro | Bauchi State | 6,932 km² |
9 | Maru | Zamfara State | 6,654 – 6,921 km² |
10 | Karim-Lamido | Taraba State | 6,784 km² |
11 | Ngala (Borno State) | Borno State | 14,000 km² (Note: Varying sources place Ngala/Abadam extremely high due to Lake Chad basin mapping) |
12 | Damboa | Borno State | 6,219 km² |
13 | Birnin Gwari | Kaduna State | 6,185 km² |
14 | Alkaleri | Bauchi State | 5,918 km² |
15 | Mariga | Niger State | 5,552 km² |
16 | Abadam | Borno State | 10,500 km² |
17 | Marte | Borno State | 10,000 km² |
18 | Yauri | Kebbi State | 9,200 km² |
19 | Gwoza | Borno State | 8,700 km² |
20 | Wase | Plateau State | - |
Note: Landmass estimations for local governments in Nigeria can fluctuate based on source and recent boundary disputes, particularly in the North-East and North-Central regions.
Which local government in Nigeria has the largest population?
The most populous local government in Nigeria is Alimosho in Lagos State. It had a population of 1,319,571 people in the 2006 census.
Which are the top 5 largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria?
The top five largest LGAs by population are Alimosho, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Kosofe, and Mushin.
Source: Getty Images
Which local government is the largest in Nigeria
The biggest local government in Nigeria by land mass is Borgu. The local government is an administrative region in Niger State. It is an area of 11,267 km² and a population of 110,000 at the 2006 census.
Which LGA is the smallest in Nigeria?
In terms of land area, Lagos Island is the smallest Local Government Area (LGA) in Nigeria. It has a total land area of 9.26 km². In terms of population, Bakassi is the smallest LGA, with a population of 31,641 as of 2006. It is one of the country's richest gulfs.
Which state in Nigeria has the largest local government area?
The largest local government in Nigeria, Borgu, is located in Niger State. Its headquarter situated in the town of New Bussa.
Which state in Nigeria has the highest number of LGAs?
Kano State holds the record for having the most Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria, with a total of forty-four LGAs.
Which LGA is the richest LGA in Nigeria?
Lagos Island Local Government Area in Lagos State is considered the richest LGA in Nigeria, boasting an estimated GDP of over $10 billion. It serves as the financial, commercial, and administrative hub of Lagos, hosting the Nigerian Stock Exchange, major banking headquarters, and central business districts.
These are the 10 largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria by population. The article outlines population figures based on the 2006 census and the 2022 population projections. Another census has not been conducted since then.
Source: UGC
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