10 Richest Local Government Areas in Nigeria (2024)

Nigeria is a country that has three tiers of government namely: the Federal Government, State Government and Local Government.

For the purpose of this article, we are going to list the richest local government areas in Nigeria in terms of natural resources.

Before we dive into the list, lets answer few questions for clarification.

WHAT IS A LOCAL GOVERNMENT ?

A local government is a form of public administration which in a majority of contexts, exists as the lowest tier of administration within a given state.

While a local government area is an administrative division of a country that a local government is responsible for and is administered by a Local Government Council consisting of a chairman who is the Chief Executive of the LGA, and other elected members who are referred to as Councilors.

How many local government do we have in Nigeria? There are 774 local government areas in Nigeria according to the 1999 constitution.

What are the functions of local government in Nigeria ? Although, the list of the functions of the local government areas are enshrined in the 1999 constitution, it is not restricted to the following:

• collection of taxes/fees,
• provision of transportation,
• establishment and regulation of parks, markets, and all the public conveniences,
• birth, marriage, deaths official registration,
• recommendations for State economy,
• control of advertising,
• licensing of various vehicles,
• construction of roads and other facilities,
• assessment of private houses, etc.

Determining the “richest” LGAs in Nigeria can be complex due to varying metrics and data availability.

However, based on a comprehensive analysis of several factors, including:

• Internal Revenue Generation (IGR): Ability to generate income from local taxes and levies.
• Federal Allocation: Share of the national revenue allocated to each LGA.
• GDP per Capita: Average income per person in the LGA.
• Human Development Index (HDI): Measure of living standards, education, and healthcare.
• Infrastructure Development: Availability and quality of roads, utilities, and public facilities.

Here are some of the LGAs frequently mentioned as top contenders for being among the richest in Nigeria:

OIL-PRODUCING LGAS:

• Eket, Akwa Ibom State: Home to major oil fields and multinational companies like ExxonMobil, boasting high IGR and per capita income.
• Uvwie, Delta State: Another oil-rich region, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s oil production and featuring strong internal revenue generation.
• Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State: Possesses vast oil reserves and hosts ExxonMobil’s Qua Iboe Terminal, impacting both IGR and federal allocation.

COMMERCIALLY THRIVING LGAS:

• Ikoyi, Lagos State: High-end residential and commercial hub, boasting the highest land value in Nigeria and attracting major corporations and businesses.
• Obio Akpor, Rivers State: Major commercial and industrial center near Port Harcourt, with significant IGR and a developed infrastructure network.
• Ado-Odo/Ota, Ogun State: Industrial powerhouse close to Lagos, attracting heavy investments and boasting a vibrant manufacturing sector.

OTHERS:

• Abuja, Federal Capital Territory: The nation’s capital naturally garners high federal allocation and enjoys significant government investment in infrastructure and development.
• Awka, Anambra State: Growing hub for technology and innovation, attracting startups and international businesses, leading to rising income and living standards.
• Port Harcourt, Rivers State: Major oil city and commercial center, contributing significantly to state and national GDP and boasting relatively high living standards.

TOP 10 RICHEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS (LGA) IN NIGERIA (2024)

Below are Nigeria’s top 10 richest local government areas this 2024.

LAGOS ISLAND LGA

Lagos Island also known as Isale Eko is among the richest LGA’s in Nigeria with a population of about 200,000 residents.

This local government area occupies the western side of Lagos Island while the other east side is occupied by residents of the LGA of Eti-Osa.

There are about 3 large bridges linking Lagos Island via the Lagos Lagoon to Ebute Metta district.

Also connected to the west of the Island is the Lagos harbour district of Apapa which also is linked to Ikoyi and Victoria Island.

History suggests that Isale Eko was home to the majority of the Brazilian slave trade returnees as they settled at the island, living on Broad street, Marina.

Today, you can find various top organizations located at this area especially the head-offices of top Nigerian banks such as UBA, WEMA, Central Bank of Nigeria etc.

Also located at east of Lagos Island is the popular Balogun and Idumota market whose internal generated revenue sustains the LGA.

Lagos Island is one of the richest LGA in the federation and an old area that was the former settlement of the Brazilian slaves who lived along broad street in Marina.

With a total number of 190,000 persons living in this area, this LGA has two popular major markets that has significant economic importance.

While this area is congested with traffic and poor housing infrastructures, there are also major landmarks in Lagos Island.

Some of them include: Tom Jones Memorial Hall and Library, Bookshop House, the Cathedral Church of Christ, Bank of Industry, Nigerian Ports Authority head office, etc.

IKEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Ikeja is another richest LGA in the country and it is the capital city of Lagos state.

Development in this local government is top-notch as it is a city well planned with commercial activities, industrial activities and a well designed transit system to navigate round its environs.

It is the located in Lagos and is also Lagos state capital.

In this list, Ikeja is the second richest local Government Area in Nigeria.

It has one of Nigeria’s international airport, with resources such as wood, water, coal, natural gas are found in the state.

The largest mall in Lagos state is located at Ikeja.

The popular Computer village which is the biggest computer accessories market also known as Otigba has over 3000 shops.

This area is of economic importance to Ikeja local government area and is one area that fetches money for the LGA.

Ikeja is also very large and houses an International airport, Muritala Muhammed Airport.

There is also the popular Ikeja City Mall also called Shoprite and Lagos State Government House, Alausa. Places such as Oregun, Opebi, Ogba, Akiode, Alausa, Magodo, Maryland, Agidingbi and Computer Village are famous districts in Ikeja LGA.

ABUJA MUNICIPAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

The Abuja Municipal is by far the most powerful local government area in Nigeria because it is the location of the official seat of the president of Nigeria and even the National Assembly.

Also within this area is the headquarters of international bodies such as ECOWAS and OPEC.

This local government that is by far the best in the country is Abuja municipal as it is receive funds from the presidency.

It is even the most secured LG in the federation.

You can see that development in this area is unique as tall buildings, skyscrapers,  well built houses that are well spaced, popular five star hotels such as Abuja Sheraton and NICON Hilton are all located there in Abuja municipal.

This is the most secured LGA in Nigeria and the best local government area because it is the area housing the office of the first citizen of the country and the National Assembly.

ETI OSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Eti-Osa is a popular local government area in Lagos State, Nigeria comprising of different council areas such as Ikoyi-Obalande LCDA, Eti-Osa East LCDA, and Iru Victoria Island LCDA.

It is even said that the richest people in Nigeria, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga and Folorunso Alakija all reside in this area.

The number of residents that makes up the population of Eti-Osa is about 283,791 persons which is just 3.11% of the state’s total population.

Economic wise, this area is home to businesses that have both local and international presence as it is close to developed neighbourhood in the state; Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island.

IBEJU LEKKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Although Ibeju Lekki is another rich LGA situated in Lagos state, they are mostly known for industrial housing estates, spacious lands and their beautiful gardens.

The presence of the Lekki commercial free trade zone which is still under development makes this LG a futuristic business zone, coupled with the 12MW independent power plant which is still under construction by the China-Africa Lekki investment company.

Dangote oil refinery is sure to make this local government a big one.

UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

Uyo is the capital of Akwa Ibom, one of the richest states in Nigeria.

Over the years, Uyo is blessed with many natural resources and has infrastructural development ranging from the good roads networks, bridges, schools and other tourist centres that boosts its economy.

The best stadium in the country “Godswill Akpabio Stadium” is also located there.

The Uyo local government area is said to attract foreigners, tourists and investments.

CALABAR MUNICIPAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The Calabar Municipal is among the wealthy LGA in Nigeria situated in Cross rivers state.

It has an area of 142 km² and a population of over 179,392 using the 2006 census as a yardstick.

The roads are well constructed and the city is surrounded by tourist centers such as the Calabar Tinapa resort, Obudu cattle ranch and many more.

BONNY ISLAND

Also on out list of richest local government areas in the country is Bonny Island, a beautiful place located in Rivers state.

This area is known for its infrastructural advancement with tarred roads, efficient water supply to all residents of its environs.

Bonny Island also has Nigeria liquefied natural gas plant (NLNG) which supplies the Nigerian city with 24/7 electricity power supply.

Transportation to the Island is by ferry or boat while the language spoken there is mostly Ibani and Igbo.

OBIO-AKPOR LGA

Obio Akpor is the most wealthiest Local Government Area in terms of natural resources.

Located in River State which is also one of the richest states in Nigeria.

Obio Akpor is one of the major cities of the Niger Delta region and the leading economic centers of the whole country, with mineral resources such as oil and gas located in the area.

The local government is also divided into 7 different wards.

Apart from the oil found in Obio Akpor, the residents are also involved in agriculture.

Obio Akpor is the richest LGA in Nigeria and the main economic power base of the Niger Delta region.

It houses the major refineries including top oil and gas firms.

You can find natural gas at Obio-Akpor as most oil found in Nigeria are exploited there.

Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State has been ranked as the highest oil and gas producing council in Nigeria, but its neglected headquarters, Omoku, is practically a dying town.

IBADAN NORTHWEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The largest city in West Africa is Ibadan and this area also produced the first TV station in Africa.

In fact, the history of Nigeria won’t be complete if you don’t mention this LGA.

KURMI LGA

It is located in Taraba state. Kurmi is also among the richest local government areas in Nigeria but isn’t among the top 10.

One thing about this local government is that it is known for its fertile land which allows agricultural practice thrive in the state.

Kurmi local government area is the main agricultural base of the country as they produce majority of food for consumption in the whole country and for themselves.

ESAN CENTRAL LGA

It is situated in Edo state with many towns and cities.

Esan Central LGA is the fourth richest local government areas in Nigeria todayJust like Kurmi LGA, its major sector is agriculture.

There are also hospitals, factories, hotels e.t.c in the area.

ETINAN LGA

Etinan local government area is located in Akwa Ibom State, and are ranked among the richest LGA’s in Nigeria.

One of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria.

Research suggests that it is the richest in oil production in Nigeria and also the most peaceful area in Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

Although these local government are seen the richest in Nigeria when it comes to natural resources, they have been affected in one way or the other due to the current downturn rocking Nigeria.

The largest local government in Nigeria in terms of population is Alimosho Local Government Area in Lagos State, Nigeria  with 1,288,714 inhabitants according to official census carried out in 2006 while the largest state in Nigeria in terms of land mass is Niger state.