The Local Governments in Nigeria

There are three tiers of government in Nigeria, the federal, state, and local governments their hierarchical order. At the top level, we have the federal and obviously, the lower level of government is the local government.

However, being at the lower level does not necessarily mean that they are not of less importance when it comes to governance. They hold the fundamental basis for which other tiers work in the system of governance in Nigeria. 

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We take interest in the local government in Nigeria, taking a brief look at what local government is all about, the criteria for creation, and finally the list of the 774 local governments in Nigeria. 

Local Government as A Tier of Government

As stated in the previous section, the third tier level of government in Nigeria. But what exactly is a local government in a system of government in Nigeria? 

The local government is a government closer to the grassroots – the people. The existence of this level aims to create a wave of participation and interest in the people on the issues of governance.  

Criteria for Creating Local Government in Nigeria

The need for the creation of a new local government can be a result of the agitation of the people or the foresight of the government to further bridge the gap between the government and the people in terms of governance.

Before the motion is filed for the creation of a new local government, the proposed area local government and its environs must meet certain conditions. The necessary conditions include

Population

The population is one of the criteria put into consideration when creating a new local government. It must be the average population that is, it must not be too large or too small. A population between 150,000 to 800,000 will suffice for a new local government.

Historical Background

The people in the proposed new local government must have the same historical roots to promote cohesion. It is easier this way as they will have common interests and goals hence the rapid development of the community.

Economic Potential 

The question of whether the new local government will meet up the bare minimum standards when it comes to economic creation, growth, and sustainability needs answering. If it is uncertain, it will not meet those parameters, then it is not feasible. 

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Cultural Connection

The people expected to be in the new local government must share the same cultural background and the affinity must be of a high percentage.

Finally, if the conditions listed come intNigeri play, the next step is the matter of legal procedure to create the new local government. The Nigerian  Constitution provides the terms of the agreement. In section 8(3) with the details below.

According to Section 8(3),

• A request for the establishment of a new local government area that is backed by at least two-thirds of the members who represent the area in each of the following cases:
• The House of Assembly receives the local government councils for the area and the House of Assembly for the area in question;
• A proposal for the formation of the Local government area is then approved in a referendum by at least two-thirds of the people in the local government area where the demand for the proposed local government area originated.
• The referendum result is then approved by a simple majority of members in each local government council in a majority of all local government councils in the state; and 
• The referendum result is approved by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority of members of the House of Assembly.

How many Local Governments in Nigeria

The total number of the local government in Nigeria is 774. However, the whole 774 local governments did not come into existence at once. Each state in Nigeria has its local government. 

In this section, we will. list out the 774 local governments we have and also give some useful information alongside it.

36 States in Nigeria and their Local Government 

Abia 

Aba North, Aba South, Arochukwu, Bende, Ikwuano, Isiala-Ngwa North, Isiala-Ngwa South, Isuikwato, Obinwa, Ohafia, Osisiom Ngwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia North, Umuahia South, Umu-Neochi

Adamawa

Fufore, Ganye, Gombi, Guyuk, Hong, Jada, Shelleng, Demsa, Madagali, Maiha, Mayo-Belwa, Michika, Mubi, Numan, Song, Yola, Mubi-South, Jimeta, Girei, Toungo, Lamrude.

Akwa-Ibom

Abak, Eket, Ekpe, Atai, Essien Udim, Etinan, Etim Ekpo, Ikono, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, Ini, Itu, Mbo, Mkpat Enin, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubim, Okobo, Onna, Oron, Oruk Anam, Ukananfun, Uquo, Uruan, Urue Offong/Oruko, Uyo, Obot Akara, Ibesikpo Asutan, Ibiono Ibom, Eastern Obolo, Udung Uko, Ika, Ibeno.

Bauchi

Alkaleri, Bauchi, Bogoro, Darazo, Dass, Gamawa, Ganjuwa, Giade, Jama`are, Katagum, Kirfi, Misau, Ningi, hira, Tafawa Balewa, Itas gadau, Toro,Warji, Zaki, Dambam

Bayelsa

Brass, Ekeremor, Kolok/Opokuma, Nembe, Membe, Ogbia, Sagbama, Southern Ijaw, Yenagoa.

Benue

Ador, Agatu, Apa, Buruku, Gboko, Guma, Gwer East, Gwer West, Kastina-ala, Konshisha, Kwande, Logo, Makurdii, Obi, Ogbadibo, Ohimini, Oju, Okpokwu, Oturkpo, Tarka, Ukum, Vandekya

Borno

Abadan, Askira/Uba, Bama, Bayo, Biu, Chibok, Damboa, Dikwagubio, Gubio, Guzamala, Gwoza, Hawul, Jere, Kaga, Kalka/Balge, Konduga, Kukawa, Kwaya-ku, Mafa, Magumeri, Maiduguri, Marte, Mobbar, Monguno, Ngala, Nganzai, Shani.

Cross-river

Abia, Akampa, Akpabuyo, Bakassi, Bekwara, Biase, Boki, Calabar South, Etung, Ikom, Obanliku, Obubra, Obudu, Odukpani, Ogoja, Ugep North, Yala, Yarkur.

Delta 

Aniocha south, Anioha, Bomadi, Burutu, Ethiope West, Ethiope East, Ika South, Ika Northeast, Isoko South, Isoko North, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Patani, Sapele, Udu, Ughelli South, Ughelli North, Ukwuani, Uviwie, Warri central, Warri North, Warri south

Ebonyi

Abakaliki, Afikpo South, Afikpo North, Ebonyi, Ezza, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu, Onicha, Izzi.

Edo

Southeast, Esan Northeast, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Etsako West, Igueben, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Orhionwon, Ivia North, Ovia Southwest, Owan West, Owan South, Uhunwonde.

Ekiti

Ado Ekiti, Aiyekire, Effon, Ekiti Southwest, Ekiti West, Ekiti East, Emure, Idosi-Osi, Ijero, Ikere, Ikole, Ilejemeje, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ise/Orun, Moba, Oye.

Enugu

Awgu, Aninri, Enugu East, Enugu south, Enugu north, Ezeagu, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Etiti, Isi-Uzo, Nkanu East, Nkanu East, Nsukka, Oji River, Undenu, Uzo Uwani, Udi.

Gombe 

Akko, Balanga, Billiri, Dukku, Dunakaye, Gombe, Kaltungo, Kwami, Nafada/Bajoga, Shomgom, Yamaltu/Deba.

Imo

Aboh-Mbaise, Ahiazu-Mbaise, Ehime-Mbaino, Ezinhite, Ideato North, Ideato South, Ihitte/Uboma, Ikeduru, Isiala, Isu, Mbaitoli, Ngor Okpala, Njaba, Nwangele, Nkwere, Obowo, Aguta, Ohaji Egbema, Okigwe, Onuimo, Orlu, Orsu, Oru West, Oru, Owerri, Owerri North, Owerri South.

Jigawa

Auyo, Babura, Birnin-Kudu, Birniwa, Buji, Dute, Garki, Gagarawa, Gumel, Guri, Gwaram, Gwiwa, Hadejia, Jahun, Kafin-Hausa, Kaugama Kazaure, Kiri-Kasamma, Birnin-magaji, Maigatari, Malamaduri, Miga, Ringim, Roni, Sule Tankarka, Taura, Yankwasi

Kaduna

Birinin-Gwari, Chukun, Giwa, Kajuru, Igabi, Ikara, Jaba, Jema`a, Kachia, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Kagarko, Kajaru, Kauru, Kauru, Kubau, Kudan, Lerea, Makarfi, Sabon-Gari, Sanga, Soba, Zangon-Kataf, Zaria.

Kano

Ajingi, Albasu, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dambatta, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garko, Garun Mallam, Gaya, Gezawa, Gwale, Gwarzo, Kabo, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Kibiya, Kiru, Kumbtso, Kunch, Kura, Maidobi, Makoda, MInjibir Nassarawa, Rano, Rimin Gado, Rogo, Shanono, Sumaila, Takai, Tarauni, Tofa, Tsanyawa, Tudun Wada, Ungogo, Warawa, Wudil.

Katsina

Bakori, Batagarawa, Batsari, Baure, Bindawa, Charanchi, Dan Musa, Dandume, Danja, Daura, Dutsi, Dutsin-Ma, Faskari, Funtua, Ingawa, Jibia, Kafur, Kaita, Kankara, Kankiya, Katsina, Furfi, Kusada, Mai aduwa, Malumfashi, Mani, Mashi, Matazu, Musawa, Rimi, Sabuwa, Safana, Sandamu, Zango.

Kebbi

Bakori, Batagarawa, Batsari, Baure, Bindawa, Charanchi, Dan- Musa, Dandume,Danja, Daura, Dutsi, Dutsin `ma, Faskar, Funtua, Ingawa, Jibiya, Kafur, Kaita, Kankara, Kankiya, Katsina, Furfi, Kusada.Mai aduwa, Malumfashi, Mani, Mash, Matazu, Musawa, Rimi, Sabuwa, Safana, Sandamu, Zango.

Kogi

Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Kogi, Lokoja, Mopa-Muro, Ofu, Ogori/Magongo, Okehi, Okene, Olamabolo, Omala, Yagba East, Yagba west.

Kwara

Asa, Baruten, Ede, Ekiti, Ifelodun, Ilorin south, Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Irepodun, Isin, Kaiama, Moro, Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, Pategi.

Lagos

Agege, Alimosho-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju- Lekki, Ifako-Ijaye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi -Isolo, Shomolu, Surulere.

Nassarawa

Akwanga, Awe, Doma, Karu, Keana, Keffi, Kokona, Lafia, Nassarawa, Nassarawa/Eggon, Obi, Toto, Wamba

Niger

Agaie, Agwara, Bida, Borgu, Bosso, Chanchanga, Edati, Gbako, Gurara, Kitcha, Kontagora, Lapai, Lavun, Magama, Mariga, Mashegu, Mokwa, Muya, Paiko, Rafi, Rijau, Shiroro, Suleija, Tafa, Wushishi.

Ogun

Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ado-Odo/Otta, Agbado South, Agbado North, Ewekoro, Idarapo, Ifo, Ijebu East, Ijebu North, Ikenne, Ilugun Alaro, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Obafemi/Owode, Odeda, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Sagamu

Ondo 

Akoko North, Akoko Northeast, Akoko Southeast, Akoko South, Akure North, Akure, Idanre, Ifedore, Ese Odo, Ilaje, Ilaje oke-Igbo, Irele, Odigbo, Okitipupa, Ondo, Ondo East, Ose, Owo.

Osun

Atakumosa West, Atakumosa East, Ayeda-Ade, Ayedire, Bolawaduro, Boripe, Ede, Ede North, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Ife North, Ife Central, Ife South, Ife East, Ifedayo, Ifelodun, Ilesha West, Ila- Orangun, Ilesah east, Irepodun, Irewole, Isokan, Iwo, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Olaoluwa, Olorunda, Oriade, Orolu, Osogbo

Oyo

Afijio, Akinyele, Attba, Atigbo, Egbeda, Ibadan North, Ibadan Central, Ibadan Southeast, Ibadan Southwest, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Ido, Ifedapo, Ifeloju, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Iwajowa Olorunshogo, Kajola, Lagelu, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Ogo Oluwa, Oluyole, Ona-Ara, Orelope, Orire, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere.

Plateau

Barkin/Ladi, Bassa, Bokkos, Jos North, JosEastt, Jos South, Kanam, Kanke, Langtang North, Langtang South, Mangu, Mikang, Pankshin, Quaan Pan, Shendam, Wase.

Rivers

Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Andoni, Asari Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Khana, Obio/Akpor, Ogba East /Edoni, Ogu/bolo, Okrika, Omumma, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, Port-Harcourt, Tai.

Sokoto

Binji, Bodinga, Dange-Shuni, Gada, Goronyo, Gudu, Gwadabawa, Illela, Isa, Kebbe, Kware, Rabah, Sabon -Birni, Shagari, Silame, Sokoto south, Sokoto north, Tambuwal, Tangaza, Tureta, Wamakko, Wurno, Yabo.

Taraba

Ardo-kola, Bali, Donga, Gashaka, Gassol, Ibi, Jalingo, K/Lamido, Kurmi, lan, Sardauna, Tarum, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro, Zing.

Yobe

Borsari, Damaturu, Fika, Fune, Geidam, Gogaram, Gujba, Gulani, Jakusko, Karasuwa, Machina, Nagere, Nguru, Potiskum, Tarmua, Yunusari, Yusufari

Zamfara

Anka, Bakura, Birnin-Magaji-Kiyaw, Bukkuyum, Bugudu, Gummi, Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun, Maru, Shinkafi, Talata-Mafara, Tsafe, Zurmi

Abuja FCT

Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali.

Final Notes On The Local Governments in Nigeria

There are 36 states in Nigeria and 774 local governments within them. Apart from the list of articles provided here, there are some other things to learn about the local governments in Nigeria.

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