Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State: Full List & Details

Kogi State, often referred to as the "Confluence State", is uniquely positioned in Nigeria's North-Central region. Established on August 27, 1991, from parts of Kwara and Benue States, Kogi is the only Nigerian state that shares borders with ten other states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Its capital, Lokoja, holds historical significance as the meeting point of the River Niger and River Benue, two of Africa's major rivers.

The state is a melting pot of cultures, housing three major ethnic groups: the Igala, Ebira, and Okun (Yoruba), along with several minority communities. Kogi's economy thrives on agriculture, mining, and commerce, making it a vital contributor to Nigeria's overall development.
 

Quick Facts About Kogi State

• Capital: Lokoja

• Nickname: Confluence State

• Date of Creation: August 27, 1991

• Number of LGAs: 21

• Major Ethnic Groups: Igala, Ebira, Okun (Yoruba)

• Primary Languages: Igala, Ebira, Yoruba, Nupe, Bassa

• Major Religions: Islam, Christianity, Traditional beliefs

• Key Economic Activities: Agriculture, mining, trade, manufacturing

• Notable Industries: Ajaokuta Steel Company, Obajana Cement Plant, Itakpe Iron Ore Mining

• Tourist Attractions: Mount Patti, Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue, Lord Lugard House
   

Full List of LGAs in Kogi State and Their Headquarters

Detailed Overview of Each LGA in Kogi State

1. Adavi

• Headquarters: Ogaminana

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (cassava, yam), trading, and small-scale industries.

• Notable Features: Predominantly inhabited by the Ebira ethnic group.

2. Ajaokuta

• Headquarters: Ajaokuta

• Economic Activities: Home to the Ajaokuta Steel Company; agriculture and fishing are also prevalent.

• Notable Features: Significant for Nigeria's steel production aspirations.

3. Ankpa

• Headquarters: Ankpa

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (yam, cassava), trading, and artisan crafts.

• Notable Features: One of the most populous LGAs in Kogi State.

4. Bassa

• Headquarters: Oguma

• Economic Activities: Farming (maize, rice), fishing, and pottery.

• Notable Features: Home to diverse ethnic groups, including Bassa-Nge and Bassa-Komo.

5. Dekina

• Headquarters: Dekina

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (rice, cassava), fishing, and trading.

• Notable Features: Largest LGA by landmass in Kogi State.

6. Ibaji

• Headquarters: Onyedega

• Economic Activities: Farming (cassava, yam), fishing, and palm oil production.

• Notable Features: Rich in oil and gas reserves.

7. Idah

• Headquarters: Idah

• Economic Activities: Fishing, trading, and crafts.

• Notable Features: Traditional seat of the Igala Kingdom.

8. Igalamela-Odolu

• Headquarters: Ajaka

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (cassava, maize), fishing, and trading.

• Notable Features: Culturally rich with Igala traditions.

9. Ijumu

• Headquarters: Iyara

• Economic Activities: Farming (yam, cassava), arts, and crafts.

• Notable Features: Predominantly inhabited by the Okun (Yoruba) people.

10. Kabba/Bunu

• Headquarters: Kabba

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (coffee, cocoa), trading, and education.

• Notable Features: A major cultural center for the Okun people.

11. Kogi (Koton Karfe)

• Headquarters: Koton Karfe

• Economic Activities: Fishing, farming, and trading.

• Notable Features: Strategically located along the River Niger.

12. Lokoja

• Headquarters: Lokoja

• Economic Activities: Administrative services, commerce, and tourism.

• Notable Features: Capital city of Kogi State; historical significance as Nigeria's first administrative capital.

13. Mopa-Muro

• Headquarters: Mopa

• Economic Activities: Farming (yam, cassava), and local crafts.

• Notable Features: Known for its rich cultural heritage among the Okun people.

14. Ofu

• Headquarters: Ugwolawo

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (rice, cassava), and fishing.

• Notable Features: Hosts the Federal Polytechnic Idah.

15. Ogori/Magongo

• Headquarters: Akpafa

• Economic Activities: Farming, pottery, and weaving.

• Notable Features: Smallest LGA in Kogi State by population.

16. Okehi

• Headquarters: Obangede

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (cassava, yam), and trading.

• Notable Features: Predominantly inhabited by the Ebira ethnic group.

17. Okene

• Headquarters: Okene

• Economic Activities: Trading, crafts, and agriculture.

• Notable Features: Most populous LGA in Kogi State; cultural hub for the Ebira people.

18. Olamaboro

• Headquarters: Okpo

• Economic Activities: Farming (yam, cassava), and trading.

• Notable Features: Rich in cultural festivals and traditions.

19. Omala

• Headquarters: Abejukolo

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (rice, maize), and fishing.

• Notable Features: Known for its fertile agricultural land.

20. Yagba East

• Headquarters: Isanlu

• Economic Activities: Agriculture (yam, melon, maize), small-scale processing industries, and commerce.

• Notable Features: Known for a high literacy rate and strong ties to Yoruba heritage.

21. Yagba West

• Headquarters: Odo Ere

• Economic Activities: Farming (cashew, yam, cassava), agro-trading, and local crafts.

• Notable Features: Noted for cashew production and vibrant cultural festivals.

Key Features & Economic Activities Across Kogi State LGAs

Kogi State thrives as a multi-ethnic and economically diverse region. Below is a summary of the major features and economic strengths across its Local Government Areas:

• Lokoja, the capital, serves as the administrative and commercial center, with historic sites like Mount Patti and the Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue.

• Ajaokuta and Itakpe are Nigeria’s foremost industrial zones, hosting the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and iron ore mining activities.

• Dekina, Ankpa, Ofu, and Idah LGAs are agricultural strongholds in the Igala-dominated east, producing rice, cassava, maize, and yams at scale.

• Okene, Adavi, and Okehi, predominantly Ebira, are known for trading, craftsmanship, and significant political and cultural influence.

• Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, and Yagba West represent the Okun Yoruba areas and are recognized for their educational development, cash crop farming, and cultural heritage.

• Bassa and Ibaji LGAs benefit from riverine resources and fertile land suitable for fishing and rice farming.

• Kogi LGA (Koton Karfe) provides access to the River Niger and is important for both transport and commerce.

FAQs on Kogi State LGAs

1. How many Local Government Areas are in Kogi State?
Kogi State has 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

2. What is the capital of Kogi State?
The capital is Lokoja, which is also the administrative and historical center of the state.

3. What are the main economic activities in Kogi State?
Kogi's economy is driven by agriculture, mining, steel manufacturing, commerce, and tourism.

4. Which LGA is the most industrialized in Kogi State?
Ajaokuta LGA is the most industrialized due to the presence of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

5. Which ethnic groups are found in Kogi State?
Major ethnic groups include the Igala, Ebira, and Okun (Yoruba), along with minorities like Bassa, Nupe, and Hausa.

Conclusion

Kogi State is a strategic economic and cultural heartland in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. With its 21 Local Government Areas spread across diverse ethnic and ecological zones, the state balances tradition with modernity—excelling in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. Whether it's the industrial drive in Ajaokuta, the historical legacy of Lokoja, or the fertile plains of Dekina and Ibaji, each LGA in Kogi State plays a crucial role in shaping the state’s identity and economic future.

Understanding these local government areas is essential for investors, policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in the socio-economic fabric of Nigeria’s states.