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

Nasarawa State, located in Nigeria's North-Central region, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and strategic proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Established on October 1, 1996, after being carved out of Plateau State, Nasarawa is often referred to as the "Home of Solid Minerals" due to its vast deposits of minerals like barite, coal, and limestone. The state's economy is predominantly agrarian, with farming and mining serving as the mainstay of its populace.

Administratively, Nasarawa State is divided into 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each serving as a pivotal unit for governance, development, and resource management. This article provides an in-depth exploration of these LGAs, highlighting their unique characteristics, economic activities, and cultural significance.
 

Overview of Nasarawa State

• Capital: Lafia

• Slogan: Home of Solid Minerals

• Date of Creation: October 1, 1996

• Geopolitical Zone: North-Central Nigeria

• Land Area: Approximately 28,735 km²

• Population Estimate (2022): Approximately 2.8 million

• Major Ethnic Groups: Alago, Eggon, Gwandara, Hausa, Tiv, Bassa, Gbagyi

• Dominant Religions: Islam, Christianity, Traditional beliefs

• Primary Economic Activities: Agriculture, Mining, Trade

List of Local Government Areas in Nasarawa State

Detailed Profiles of Each LGA

1. Akwanga

• Headquarters: Akwanga

• Key Features: Known for its educational institutions and serves as an educational hub in the state.

• Economic Activities: Farming, trading, and education-related services.

• Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Eggon people.

2. Awe

• Headquarters: Awe

• Key Features: Rich in cultural heritage and traditional festivals.

• Economic Activities: Agriculture, fishing, and local crafts.

• Ethnic Composition: Alago, Hausa, and Tiv communities.

3. Doma

• Headquarters: Doma

• Key Features: Hosts the Doma Dam and is known for rice farming.

• Economic Activities: Agriculture, especially rice cultivation, and fishing.

• Ethnic Composition: Alago and Bassa people.

4. Karu

• Headquarters: New Karu

• Key Features: Proximity to Abuja makes it a rapidly urbanizing area.

• Economic Activities: Commerce, real estate, and agriculture.

• Ethnic Composition: Gbagyi, Bassa, and other ethnic groups.

5. Keana

• Headquarters: Keana

• Key Features: Known for salt mining and traditional institutions.

• Economic Activities: Salt production, farming, and fishing.

• Ethnic Composition: Alago people.

6. Keffi

• Headquarters: Keffi

• Key Features: Historical town with colonial heritage sites.

• Economic Activities: Trading, education, and agriculture.

• Ethnic Composition: Gwandara, Hausa, and other groups.

7. Kokona

• Headquarters: Kokona

• Key Features: Agricultural hub with fertile lands.

• Economic Activities: Farming, especially yam and maize cultivation.

• Ethnic Composition: Gwandara and other ethnic communities.

8. Lafia

• Headquarters: Lafia

• Key Features: State capital and administrative center.

• Economic Activities: Government services, commerce, and agriculture.

• Ethnic Composition: Diverse, including Alago, Kanuri, Hausa, and others.

9. Nasarawa

• Headquarters: Nasarawa

• Key Features: Named after the state; rich in cultural heritage.

• Economic Activities: Agriculture, trading, and mining.

• Ethnic Composition: Gwandara, Hausa, and other groups.

10. Nasarawa Eggon

• Headquarters: Nasarawa Eggon

• Key Features: Known for its hilly terrain and cultural festivals.

• Economic Activities: Farming and local crafts.

• Ethnic Composition: Predominantly Eggon people.

11. Obi

• Headquarters: Obi

• Key Features: Agricultural community with diverse crops.

• Economic Activities: Farming, especially yam and cassava.

• Ethnic Composition: Alago, Tiv, and other ethnic groups.

12. Toto

• Headquarters: Toto

• Key Features: Bordered by the River Benue; rich in aquatic resources.

• Economic Activities: Fishing, farming, and trading.

• Ethnic Composition: Bassa, Gbagyi, and other communities.

13. Wamba

• Headquarters: Wamba

• Key Features: Home to the Farin Ruwa Waterfalls, a major tourist attraction.

• Economic Activities: Agriculture, especially cassava farming, and tourism.

• Ethnic Composition: Arum, Buh, and other ethnic groups.

Economic and Cultural Significance of Nasarawa's LGAs

Each LGA in Nasarawa State contributes uniquely to the state's economy and cultural tapestry:

• Agriculture: The backbone of the state's economy, with LGAs like Doma, Obi, and Kokona leading in crop production.

• Mining: Keana and Wamba are notable for their mineral resources, including salt and barite.

• Trade and Commerce: Karu and Keffi benefit from their proximity to Abuja, fostering vibrant markets and business opportunities.

• Tourism: Wamba's Farin Ruwa Waterfalls and cultural festivals across LGAs attract tourists, boosting local economies.

FAQs on Nasarawa State

1. How many Local Government Areas (LGAs) are in Nasarawa State?

Nasarawa State has 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Lafia (the capital), Keffi, Karu, and Akwanga, among others.

2. What is the capital of Nasarawa State?

The capital of Nasarawa State is Lafia, which also serves as a Local Government Area and is the administrative and economic hub of the state.

3. Which LGA is the most urbanized in Nasarawa State?

Karu LGA is the most urbanized, largely due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It features rapidly growing settlements like Mararaba, New Karu, and Nyanya.

4. What are the major ethnic groups in Nasarawa State?

Major ethnic groups in Nasarawa State include the Alago, Eggon, Gwandara, Hausa, Bassa, Gbagyi, and Tiv, each contributing richly to the cultural diversity of the state.

5. What is Nasarawa State known for economically?

Nasarawa is known for its solid minerals, earning it the nickname “Home of Solid Minerals.” It also thrives in agriculture, especially the cultivation of rice, yam, maize, and cassava.

6. Which LGA in Nasarawa State is known for rice production?

Doma LGA is particularly famous for rice farming due to the presence of the Doma Dam, which supports irrigation agriculture.

7. Are there tourist attractions in Nasarawa State?

Yes, Nasarawa State hosts several tourist attractions such as the Farin Ruwa Waterfalls in Wamba LGA, the Salt Village in Keana, and historical sites in Keffi.

8. What languages are commonly spoken in Nasarawa State?

Apart from English and Hausa (widely spoken), local languages such as Eggon, Alago, Gwandara, Tiv, Bassa, and Gbagyi are commonly used across different LGAs.

9. Is Nasarawa State a good place for investment?

Yes. With its strategic location near Abuja, abundant natural resources, growing urban areas, and fertile land for agriculture, Nasarawa is a top destination for investments in mining, farming, real estate, and retail.

10. What are the economic activities in Lafia LGA?

Lafia LGA, being the state capital, has diverse economic activities including public administration, commercial trade, farming, and small-scale industries.
 

Conclusion

Nasarawa State's 13 Local Government Areas are integral to its development, each offering distinct resources, cultures, and opportunities. From the agricultural plains of Doma to the bustling markets of Karu, these LGAs collectively shape the state's identity as the "Home of Solid Minerals." Understanding the unique attributes of each LGA provides insights into the state's potential and the diverse experiences it offers to residents and visitors alike.