Lagos State, one of the 36 states in Nigeria, is located in the South West region. It is divided into five administrative divisions, which are further subdivided into 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Each LCDA is headed by a chairman elected in council polls and sworn in by the governor.
Key Takeaways
- An LCDA is a fourth-tier government unit under local, state, and federal governments, created to bring governance closer to the grassroots.
- LCDAs in Lagos have existed for over 19 years and have paved the way for over 700 similar units across Nigeria.
What Is an LCDA in Lagos State?
A Local Council Development Area (LCDA) is a body created by state governments to pursue state-specific development and administrative convenience. The creation of LCDAs became contentious in 2003, but the Supreme Court upheld their legality.
Complete List of 37 LCDAs in Lagos State and Their Chairmen
- Agbado-Oke Odo: Jimo Ishola
- Agboyi Ketu: Adetola Oyedele
- Apapa Iganmu: Wale Jimo
- Ayobo-Ipaja: Abiodun Agbaje
- Badagry West: Rauf Ibrahim
- Bariga: Adedeji Omope
- Coker-Aguda: Ogidan Azeez
- Egbe-Idimu: Balogun Idris
- Ejigbo: Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo
- Eredo: Ismail Monsuru Akinloye
- Eti-Osa East: Biliaminu Samson Agunbiade
- Iba: Yisa Jubril
- Ifelodun: Olufemi Okeowo
- Igando-Ikotun: Lasisi Akinsanya
- Igbogbo Baiyeku: Aroyewun Hammed Olalekan
- Ijede: Motunrayo Gbadebo-Alogba
- Ikorodu North: Ameen Olawale
- Ikorodu West: Olanrewaju Sulaimon
- Ikosi Ejinrin: Adewale Anomo
- Ikosi/Isheri: Abolanle Bada
- Ikoyi/Obalende: Oladunjaye Bola
- Imota: Benson Sunday Ayodele
- Iru, Victoria Island: Alabi Aminat Oluwakemi
- Isolo: Adebayo Olasoju
- Itire-Ikate: Odunayo Oluwafemi
- Lagos Island East: Alade Folawiyo
- Lekki: Bamidele Kasali
- Mosan-Okunola: Akindele Adunni Opeyemi
- Odi-Olowo: Jakende Oluseyi Lawal
- Ojodu: Olusegun Odunbaku
- Ojokoro: Rosiji Oluyemisi
- Olorunda: Ajose Peter Kumayo
- Onigbongbo: Adebanjo Moyosere Adetola
- Oriade: Olojede Rasaq Akorede
- Orile Agege: Idowu Akinola Abiodun
- Oto Awori: Kareem Azeez Abiodun
- Yaba: Aefuye Adebayo Anthony
How Many Local Government Areas Are in Lagos State?
Lagos State has 20 Local Government Areas, grouped under five divisions: Badagry, Epe, Ikeja, Ikorodu, and Lagos. Each division comprises several LGAs and wards.
Badagry Division
This division has four LGAs: Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Amuwo-Odofin, Badagry, and Ojo. It is known for its cultural diversity and historical significance as the entry point of Christianity in Nigeria.
Epe Division
Epe Division has two LGAs: Epe and Ibeju-Lekki. The name Epe means 'forest of black ants,' and the area is known for farming and fishing.
Ikeja Division
Ikeja Division comprises eight LGAs: Agege, Alimosho, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Kosofe, Mushin, Oshodi-Isolo, and Somolu. It is the seat of the Lagos State government.
Ikorodu Division
Ikorodu Division has one LGA (Ikorodu) and is predominantly inhabited by Remo and Ijebu people.
Lagos Division
Lagos Division includes five LGAs: Apapa, Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and Surulere. It is the most urbanized part of the state.
Difference Between LGA and LCDA
An LGA is a constitutionally recognized tier of local administration, while an LCDA is a state-created unit for grassroots governance. LCDAs are not recognized in the Nigerian constitution but are legally valid.
LCDAs in Ikeja
The LCDAs under Ikeja LGA are Ojodu and Onigbongbo.
Efforts to Increase Lagos LGAs from 20 to 57
A bill passed the second reading in March 2025, seeking to convert the 37 LCDAs into full LGAs, which would increase Lagos' LGAs to 57 and Nigeria's total to 811.
The LCDA system remains crucial for administrative efficiency and development in Lagos State.
