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

Plateau State, fondly referred to as the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” is a captivating state located in the North-Central region of Nigeria. Famed for its stunning highlands, rich cultural heritage, and temperate climate, Plateau is one of Nigeria’s most ecologically and culturally diverse states. It sits atop the Jos Plateau, offering scenic beauty, historical landmarks, and agricultural fertility that have drawn settlers and tourists for centuries.

The state's administrative structure is built on a network of 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs). These LGAs play a vital role in governance, infrastructure, education, security, agriculture, and the preservation of indigenous cultures across the state.

This detailed guide provides a full list of LGAs in Plateau State, their headquarters, and insights into their economic activities, key features, and development potential.

Quick Overview of Plateau State

• Capital: Jos

• Date Created: February 3, 1976

• Slogan: Home of Peace and Tourism

• Region: North-Central Nigeria

• Main Languages: Berom, Afizere, Tarok, Ngas, Hausa, and English

• Number of LGAs: 17

• Population Estimate: Over 4 million (2023 projection)

• Primary Economic Activities: Agriculture, mining, livestock, tourism, craftwork

Full List of Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Plateau State

Here is the complete list of the 17 LGAs in Plateau State along with their administrative headquarters:

Economic Activities & Key Features of Each LGA in Plateau State

1. Barkin Ladi

• Known for its vast farmlands and mining deposits.

• Dominated by Berom people with vibrant cultural festivals.

• Produces Irish potatoes, maize, and vegetables in large quantities.

2. Bassa

• One of the largest LGAs in landmass.

• Produces yam, maize, millet, and beans.

• Rich in cultural diversity, home to multiple ethnic groups including Irigwe and Rukuba.

3. Bokkos

• Known for Irish potatoes and vegetables.

• Home to Plateau State University, Bokkos.

• Agriculture and small-scale animal husbandry are prominent.

4. Jos East

• A quieter, semi-rural part of Jos.

• Known for traditional pottery and crafts.

• Hosts fertile lands used for small-scale farming.

5. Jos North

• Commercial and administrative capital of the state.

• Hosts major institutions like the University of Jos, museums, markets, and hotels.

• Highly cosmopolitan with significant Hausa-Fulani, Berom, and Igbo populations.

6. Jos South

• Includes Bukuru town and numerous residential areas.

• Known for tin mining, trade, and higher institutions like NIPSS and Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

• Serves as a bridge between urban and rural Plateau.

7. Kanam

• Agricultural and mineral-rich LGA.

• Known for crops like groundnut, millet, sorghum.

• Also supports limestone mining and cattle rearing.

8. Kanke

• Dominated by the Ngas ethnic group.

• Prominent in dry-season farming and poultry.

• Active in the production of millet, guinea corn, and maize.

9. Langtang North

• The political and economic base of the Tarok people.

• Hosts military retirees and agriculturally active communities.

• Strong traditional institutions and farming culture.

10. Langtang South

• Similar to Langtang North with a strong Tarok presence.

• Produces yams, rice, cassava, and livestock.

• Known for its community-based development initiatives.

11. Mangu

• A key hub for agricultural development.

• Large-scale production of Irish potatoes, maize, and tomato.

• Home to a number of ethnic groups including Mwaghavul and Pyem.

12. Mikang

• One of the smaller LGAs but agriculturally active.

• Main economic activities include yam, maize, and guinea corn cultivation.

• Culturally rich with various community festivals.

13. Pankshin

• Hosts the Federal College of Education, Pankshin.

• Educational center and regional transport corridor.

• Major producer of maize, potatoes, and livestock.

14. Qua’an Pan

• Known for its ethnic diversity and harmonious living.

• Important producer of sesame seeds, soybeans, and groundnuts.

• Location of notable cultural sites and traditional leadership.

15. Riyom

• Gateway to Plateau State from Abuja.

• Features beautiful landscapes and rock formations.

• Occupied mainly by Berom people with a rich cultural tradition.

16. Shendam

• Largest LGA by population in the southern part of the state.

• Agricultural giant known for rice, sugarcane, and fishing.

• Hosts the Tarok cultural heritage and interfaith harmony initiatives.

17. Wase

• One of the richest LGAs in terms of natural resources.

• Tin, lead, and zinc are mined here.

• Agriculturally productive and strategically located for trade with Taraba and Bauchi States.

Importance of LGAs to Plateau State's Development

Each of the 17 LGAs in Plateau State contributes significantly to:

• ✅ Grassroots governance and civic inclusion

• ✅ Agricultural productivity and food security

• ✅ Cultural preservation and diversity

• ✅ Education and intellectual growth

• ✅ Tourism, peace-building, and conflict resolution

• ✅ Revenue generation through mining and trade

FAQs on LGAs in Plateau State

Q1: How many LGAs are in Plateau State?

A: There are 17 Local Government Areas in Plateau State.

Q2: What is the most urban LGA in Plateau?

A: Jos North is the most urban and commercially active LGA.

Q3: Which LGAs are best known for agriculture?

A: Mangu, Bokkos, Bassa, Langtang North, and Kanam are strong in agriculture.

Q4: Does Plateau State have mineral resources?

A: Yes. Plateau State is rich in tin, columbite, lead, and zinc, especially in Wase, Jos South, and Kanam.

Q5: Which LGAs are important for education?

A: Jos North, Pankshin, and Bokkos host major educational institutions including the University of Jos, FCE Pankshin, and Plateau State University.

Q6: What is the role of LGAs in Plateau State’s peace-building efforts?

A: LGAs serve as primary administrative units for conflict resolution, community dialogue, and local governance to promote peace.

Conclusion

Plateau State’s 17 LGAs reflect the diversity, economic strength, and cultural richness of the state. From the bustling streets of Jos North to the farming valleys of Langtang and the mining fields of Wase, each LGA is a building block in the state's developmental structure.

Whether you're a business investor, researcher, NGO planner, or a tourist, understanding the structure and strengths of these LGAs offers immense value for planning, decision-making, and engagement with the people of Plateau State.