List of Local Government Areas in Nigeria (2026): 774 LGAs by State
Nigeria operates a federal system of government comprising federal, state, and local government structures.
Local government areas (LGAs) are important administrative divisions responsible for bringing government services closer to communities.
If you are searching for the list of local government areas in Nigeria, this guide explains how many LGAs Nigeria has, their distribution across the 36 states, the six area councils in Abuja, and their importance to national development.
How Many Local Government Areas Are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has 774 local-level administrative areas: 768 local government areas in the 36 states and six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This arrangement is provided for in Section 3(6) and the First Schedule of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The LGAs are distributed unevenly across the country.
Kano State has the highest number, with 44 LGAs, while Bayelsa State has the fewest, with eight.
Each local government area has an administrative headquarters and covers a defined geographical area.
Complete Breakdown of Local Government Areas in Nigeria by State
The table below shows the number of constitutionally recognised local government areas in every Nigerian state.
| S/N | State | Number of LGAs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abia | 17 |
| 2 | Adamawa | 21 |
| 3 | Akwa Ibom | 31 |
| 4 | Anambra | 21 |
| 5 | Bauchi | 20 |
| 6 | Bayelsa | 8 |
| 7 | Benue | 23 |
| 8 | Borno | 27 |
| 9 | Cross River | 18 |
| 10 | Delta | 25 |
| 11 | Ebonyi | 13 |
| 12 | Edo | 18 |
| 13 | Ekiti | 16 |
| 14 | Enugu | 17 |
| 15 | Gombe | 11 |
| 16 | Imo | 27 |
| 17 | Jigawa | 27 |
| 18 | Kaduna | 23 |
| 19 | Kano | 44 |
| 20 | Katsina | 34 |
| 21 | Kebbi | 21 |
| 22 | Kogi | 21 |
| 23 | Kwara | 16 |
| 24 | Lagos | 20 |
| 25 | Nasarawa | 13 |
| 26 | Niger | 25 |
| 27 | Ogun | 20 |
| 28 | Ondo | 18 |
| 29 | Osun | 30 |
| 30 | Oyo | 33 |
| 31 | Plateau | 17 |
| 32 | Rivers | 23 |
| 33 | Sokoto | 23 |
| 34 | Taraba | 16 |
| 35 | Yobe | 17 |
| 36 | Zamfara | 14 |
| 36 states | 768 | |
| Federal Capital Territory | 6 area councils | |
| Nigeria total | 774 |
These figures follow the constitutional structure used by Nigeria’s electoral authorities.
Local Government Areas in Lagos State
Lagos State has 20 constitutionally recognised local government areas.
They are:
- Agege.
- Ajeromi-Ifelodun.
- Alimosho.
- Amuwo-Odofin.
- Apapa.
- Badagry.
- Epe.
- Eti-Osa.
- Ibeju-Lekki.
- Ifako-Ijaiye.
- Ikeja.
- Ikorodu.
- Kosofe.
- Lagos Island.
- Lagos Mainland.
- Mushin.
- Ojo.
- Oshodi-Isolo.
- Shomolu.
- Surulere.
Lagos also has Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), which are distinct from the 20 constitutionally recognised LGAs.
This distinction is important when answering examination questions or consulting federal administrative records.
Local Government Areas in Kano State
Kano State has 44 local government areas, the highest number of any Nigerian state.
Examples include Kano Municipal, Dala, Fagge, Gwale, Tarauni, Nassarawa, Kumbotso, Ungogo, Bichi, Rano, Wudil, and Gwarzo.
Kano’s substantial number of LGAs reflects its administrative and geographical divisions.
For the full names and headquarters of Kano’s 44 LGAs, consult the constitutional First Schedule or an official electoral directory.
Local Government Areas in Oyo State
Oyo State has 33 local government areas.
Examples include Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Akinyele, Egbeda, Lagelu, Oluyole, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Oyo East, and Oyo West.
Oyo is among the Nigerian states with the highest number of LGAs.
Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State
Bayelsa has eight local government areas, making it the state with the fewest LGAs in Nigeria.
The eight LGAs are:
- Brass.
- Ekeremor.
- Kolokuma/Opokuma.
- Nembe.
- Ogbia.
- Sagbama.
- Southern Ijaw.
- Yenagoa.
Yenagoa is both a local government area and the capital city of Bayelsa State.
Local Government Areas in the Federal Capital Territory
The FCT has six area councils.
They are:
- Abaji.
- Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
- Bwari.
- Gwagwalada.
- Kuje.
- Kwali.
The FCT area councils perform local-level administrative functions within Abuja’s federal territory.
They should not be counted as six additional states or as conventional state LGAs.
Which State Has the Highest Number of LGAs in Nigeria?
Kano State has the highest number of local government areas in Nigeria, with 44.
Other states with relatively large numbers include:
| State | Number of LGAs |
|---|---|
| Kano | 44 |
| Katsina | 34 |
| Oyo | 33 |
| Akwa Ibom | 31 |
| Osun | 30 |
| Borno | 27 |
| Imo | 27 |
| Jigawa | 27 |
The number of LGAs does not necessarily indicate a state’s population or geographical size.
For example, Niger State is Nigeria’s largest state by land area but has 25 local government areas.
Which State Has the Fewest LGAs in Nigeria?
Bayelsa State has the smallest number of LGAs, with eight.
Other states with relatively few LGAs include Gombe with 11, Ebonyi and Nasarawa with 13 each, and Zamfara with 14.
The number of LGAs reflects Nigeria’s historical administrative arrangements rather than a simple ranking by land area or population.
What Are the Functions of Local Government Areas in Nigeria?
Local governments perform functions defined by the Constitution and applicable legislation.
1. Local Administration
LGAs provide an administrative structure for addressing community-level governance needs.
2. Maintenance of Local Roads
Local governments participate in the construction and maintenance of certain roads, streets, drains, and public spaces within their areas of responsibility.
3. Markets and Motor Parks
They may establish, maintain, and regulate markets, motor parks, and other local facilities.
4. Local Revenue Collection
LGAs have responsibilities relating to specified rates, licences, and other lawful local government revenues.
5. Community Development
Local governments can participate in community development programmes, including local infrastructure and social initiatives.
6. Primary Education and Healthcare
Under the constitutional framework, local governments participate alongside state governments in areas including primary education, agriculture, and health service provision.
The precise implementation of these responsibilities depends on the applicable legal and administrative arrangements.
What Is the Difference Between a State and an LGA?
A state is a major constituent unit of Nigeria’s federation, while a local government area is a smaller administrative division located within a state.
| Feature | State | Local Government Area |
|---|---|---|
| Number in Nigeria | 36 | 768, excluding FCT area councils |
| Executive leadership | Governor | Local government chairman |
| Legislative institution | State House of Assembly | Local government council |
| Constitutional role | State-level governance | Local-level governance |
| Geographical coverage | Larger | Smaller |
The Federal Capital Territory has a separate administrative arrangement and six area councils.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many LGAs Are in Nigeria?
Nigeria has 774 local-level administrative areas, comprising 768 LGAs in the 36 states and six FCT area councils.
Which State Has 44 Local Government Areas?
Kano State has 44 LGAs.
Which State Has the Fewest Local Government Areas?
Bayelsa State has the fewest, with eight.
How Many Local Government Areas Are in Lagos State?
Lagos State has 20 constitutionally recognised LGAs.
How Many LGAs Are in Oyo State?
Oyo State has 33 local government areas.
How Many LGAs Are in Rivers State?
Rivers State has 23 local government areas.
How Many LGAs Are in Abuja?
The Federal Capital Territory has six area councils.
Are Local Council Development Areas the Same as LGAs?
No. State-created development areas may serve administrative purposes, but they are not automatically additional constitutionally recognised LGAs.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s 774 local-level administrative areas play important roles in governance, infrastructure, public services, and community development.
The country’s 36 states contain 768 LGAs, while the Federal Capital Territory has six area councils.
Kano has the highest number of LGAs, with 44, and Bayelsa has the fewest, with eight.
Understanding the local government structure is useful for students, researchers, civil servants, and Nigerians interested in the country’s administrative system.
For a detailed name-by-name register of all 774 local-level administrative areas and their headquarters, readers should consult the constitutional First Schedule and current electoral directories.
List of Local Government Areas in Nigeria