Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. These are further subdivided into 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) for grassroots administration. This article lists the largest LGAs by population, based on the 2006 national census and 2022 projections. Note that the next census is yet to be conducted, with plans for 2026.
Key Takeaways
- The most populous LGA in Nigeria has over one million residents.
- LGAs are located across various states and provide essential services.
- Population figures range from 538,558 to 1,319,571 according to the 2006 census.
- 2022 projections estimate populations between 774,600 and 1,953,500.
Top 10 Largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria by Population
Below is the ranking of the largest LGAs based on the 2006 census, with 2022 population projections.
10. Port-Harcourt (Rivers State)
Population (2006): 538,558; Projection (2022): 774,600. Port-Harcourt LGA is located in Rivers State and includes districts such as Oroabali, Orolozu, Rumuobiekwe, Nkpogu, Abuloma, Ogbunabali, New GRA, and Diobu. The population is ethnically diverse, with Christianity as the predominant religion. English and Pidgin are widely spoken.
9. Maiduguri (Borno State)
Population (2006): 540,016; Projection (2022): 791,200. Maiduguri LGA is the capital of Borno State and is among the top 50 largest LGAs in Nigeria by land area and population. Districts include Maiduguri Urban, Bulablin I & II, Bolori I & II, Gamboru Liberty, and others. The main ethnic groups are Fulani, Shuwa, Bura, Hausa, and Margi.
8. Nasarawa (Nasarawa State)
Population (2006): 596,411; Projection (2022): 980,900. Nasarawa LGA is one of 13 LGAs in Nasarawa State. Its districts include Udege, Loko, Bakono, Aissa, Guto Aguba, Ataga, Angewa, Aza, Gwafa, Dora, and Ayele.
7. Ojo (Lagos State)
Population (2006): 609,173; Projection (2022): 901,800. Ojo LGA is one of 20 LGAs in Lagos State. Its districts are Olojo, Ira, Alaba, Ojo, Shibiri, Okokomaiko, Abule Ade, Ilogbo, and Idoluwo. Yoruba is the most common language, with Christianity and Islam as the main religions.
6. Oshodi-Isolo (Lagos State)
Population (2006): 629,061; Projection (2022): 931,300. Oshodi-Isolo LGA is located northwest of Lagos City and was created by Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the second republic Governor of Lagos State.
5. Mushin (Lagos State)
Population (2006): 631,857; Projection (2022): 935,400. Mushin LGA is one of 20 LGAs in Lagos State, with its headquarters in the Palm Avenue district. Other districts include Ladipo, Matori Industrial Estate, Amu, Itire, Idi Oro, Ajeano, and Isolo Road. Yoruba and Pidgin English are predominant.
4. Kosofe (Lagos State)
Population (2006): 682,772; Projection (2022): 1,010,800. Kosofe LGA is in Lagos State, with headquarters in Ojota. Districts include Ojota, Ikosi, Oworonshoki, Ajao Estate, Gbagada, and Ogudu. The population is ethnically diverse, and Yoruba is commonly spoken.
3. Ajeromi-Ifelodun (Lagos State)
Population (2006): 687,316; Projection (2022): 1,017,500. Ajeromi-Ifelodun is located in the Badagry division of Lagos State, with headquarters in Ajegunle. Popular areas include Orudu, Ashafa, Onibaba, Awodi, Layeni, and Temidire. Christianity and Islam are practised, and the Yoruba tribe is predominant.
2. Abuja Municipal Area Council (Federal Capital Territory)
Population (2006): 776,298; Projection (2022): 1,693,400. Established in October 1984, the Abuja Municipal Area Council has 12 wards: Garki, City Centre, GUI, Gwarimpa, Gwagwa, Jiwa, Kabusa, Karshi, Nyanya, Orozo, Wuse, and Karo.
1. Alimosho (Lagos State)
Population (2006): 1,319,571; Projection (2022): 1,953,500. Alimosho is the largest LGA in Nigeria by population. The population is predominantly Egbados, and Yoruba is widely spoken. The main religions are Islam and Christianity.
Top 20 Largest Local Governments by Land Mass
The following table lists the largest LGAs by land area, though figures may vary due to boundary disputes.
- Borgu (Niger State) – 11,267 km²
- Baruten (Kwara State) – 9,749 km²
- Mashegu (Niger State) – 9,182 km²
- Bali (Taraba State) – 9,146 km²
- Gashaka (Taraba State) – 8,393 km²
- Maiduguri Metropolitan/Jere (Borno State) – 8,000–9,500 km²
- Kaiama (Kwara State) – 7,125 km²
- Toro (Bauchi State) – 6,932 km²
- Maru (Zamfara State) – 6,654–6,921 km²
- Karim-Lamido (Taraba State) – 6,784 km²
- Ngala (Borno State) – ~14,000 km²
- Damboa (Borno State) – 6,219 km²
- Birnin Gwari (Kaduna State) – 6,185 km²
- Alkaleri (Bauchi State) – 5,918 km²
- Mariga (Niger State) – 5,552 km²
- Abadam (Borno State) – 10,500 km²
- Marte (Borno State) – 10,000 km²
- Yauri (Kebbi State) – 9,200 km²
- Gwoza (Borno State) – 8,700 km²
- Wase (Plateau State) – varies
Frequently Asked Questions
Which local government in Nigeria has the largest population?
Alimosho in Lagos State, with 1,319,571 people in the 2006 census.
Which are the top 5 largest Local Government Areas in Nigeria?
Alimosho, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Kosofe, and Mushin.
Which local government is the largest in Nigeria by land mass?
Borgu in Niger State, covering 11,267 km².
Which LGA is the smallest in Nigeria?
Lagos Island is the smallest by land area (9.26 km²). By population, Bakassi is the smallest, with 31,641 people in 2006.
Which state in Nigeria has the largest local government area?
Niger State has the largest LGA (Borgu).
Which state in Nigeria has the highest number of LGAs?
Kano State, with 44 LGAs.
Which LGA is the richest in Nigeria?
Lagos Island LGA is considered the richest, with an estimated GDP over $10 billion.
This article presents the largest LGAs by population based on the 2006 census and 2022 projections. Another national census has not been conducted since then.
