You want to know which local government area in Benue State is the richest. Well, you’ve come to the right place. You likely have a sense of some of the economic powerhouses in the state, but we’ve dug into the data to uncover the ones truly raking in the big bucks. From agricultural hubs to areas blessed with natural resources, some LGAs are just set up for success. But which one comes out on top as the richest local government in Benue?
We counted up revenue from taxes, business income, federal allocations, and more to rank the top 10 richest local governments in Benue state based on their annual income. The results might surprise you. Ready to find out which LGA is bringing in the cash? Keep reading.
Overview of Benue State
Benue State, located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, was created on February 3, 1976. Benue State is home to the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede peoples, who speak distinct languages. The state derives its name from the Benue River, the second largest river in Nigeria, which flows through the state; it is the most outstanding geographic feature in the state. Benue is a major agricultural hub, producing yams, cassava, rice, beans, guinea corn, millet, and groundnuts. The state also has abundant mineral resources like limestone, gypsum, kaolin, coal, and baryte.
How Many Local Government Areas Are In Benue State?
Benue State has 23 Local Government Areas, which are administered by local government councils. The 23 LGAs in Benue State are quite diverse, ranging from agricultural areas to more industrialized zones.
Here are the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State:
- Ado
- Agatu
- Apa
- Buruku
- Gboko
- Guma
- Gwer East
- Gwer West
- Katsina-Ala
- Konshisha
- Kwande
- Logo
- Makurdi
- Obi
- Ogbadibo
- Ohimini
- Oju
- Okpokwu
- Otukpo
- Tarka
- Ukum
- Ushongo
- Vandeikya
These LGAs offer many opportunities for trade, investment, and development across Benue State.
The Economic Drivers in Benue State’s Local Governments
The major economic activities in Benue State’s local governments are agriculture and trading. Benue State is known as the ‘Food Basket’ of the nation due to its large-scale production of yams, cassava, rice, beans, maize, and millet. The arable land and favorable climate support the cultivation of crops and the rearing of livestock like cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. Trading also thrives in the major markets across the local governments.
The Richest Local Government in Benue State
The richest Local Government Area in Benue State is undoubtedly Makurdi. As the state capital of Benue, Makurdi is a commercial hub and center of economic activities. It is home to many industries, businesses, and government parastatals that contribute greatly to its economy. Makurdi also generates huge internal revenue from markets, motor parks, hospitals, and tourism. With all these economic potentials, Makurdi Local Government Area stands out as the wealthiest among the 23 Local Government Areas in Benue State.
Top 10 Richest Local Governments in Benue State
Benue State is blessed with many local governments that contribute to the economic growth of the state. Some of the major economic drivers in these LGAs include agriculture, tourism, mining, and commerce.
The top 10 richest LGAs in Benue State are:
Makurdi Local Government
Makurdi Local Government Area is the richest LGA in Benue State. Historically, Makurdi, the local government, was established in 1927. In 1976, it became the capital of Benue State. The LGA has an estimated population of about 454,000 people.
The major sources of income for Makurdi LGA are:
- Agriculture, especially yam and rice farming, along the banks of River Benue. The LGA is also known for livestock rearing and fishing.
- Commerce and trade. Makurdi hosts one of the biggest markets in the North Central region, the Wadata Market. There are also several other markets like the North Bank, High Level, and Wurukum markets.
- Several Industries. Some of the industries that have contributed to Makurdi’s wealth include Pai Pensions, Benue Investment & Property Co. LTD, MIKAP Rice Limited, Benue Brewery, and more!
- Civil service. Makurdi is the capital city of Benue State, so the state secretariat and many ministry offices are located there, providing employment for thousands of people.
- Hospitality industry. There are many hotels, restaurants, bars, and other leisure spots in Makurdi that generate revenue for the LGA.
- Real estate. Makurdi has a fast-growing population, leading to a vibrant real estate sector. The LGA generates income from property taxes and levies.
- Education: There are a lot of Educational institutions in Makurdi LGA including Benue State University Makurdi (BSU), Akawe Torkula Polytechnic Makurdi (ATP), Nigeria Army School Of Military Engineering Makurdi, and others.
With agriculture, trade, and government activities fueling its economy, Makurdi LGA has established itself as an economic hub in Benue State and the richest local government.
Gboko Local Government
Gboko is one of the top places in Benue state for business operations. And, like Makurdi, Gboko town has a thriving business community. Gboko LGA was established on May 11, 1970. Tarka, Ushongo, Buruku, Gwer, and Konshisha Local Governments share borders with Gboko LGA. It has an estimated population of about 488,000 people.
Gboko is one of the richest local governments in Benue state due to the following sources of income:
- Agriculture: Gboko is known for yam and rice farming. It is also known for the cultivation of beans, sesame, millet, sorghum, and cassava.
- Mining: Gboko has large deposits of limestone used in cement production. The Dangote Cement Factory and the Benue Cement Company are located in Gboko.
- Forestry: Gboko has abundant natural forests with economic trees like mahogany, iroko, and obeche. Timber is exported from Gboko.
- Commerce: Gboko has a large market that serves most parts of Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states. Traders from other parts of Nigeria come to buy farm produce and manufactured goods.
- Education: Gboko has many educational institutions, including Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko Polytechnic, Akperan Orshi Polytechnic, NKST College of Health Technology Mkar, Gboko, and the University of Mkar. College of Education. This generates revenue and stimulates commercial activities.
- Tourism: Gboko has many tourist attractions like the Mkar Hill, Ikyogen Hills, Ikwe Holiday Resort, Tor Tiv Palace Gboko, Enemabia Warm Spring, Anwase-Abande Ranges, and Kura Falls that generate revenue from tourists.
Gboko Local Government was named after a hill that provides a panoramic view of the town. Gboko people are predominantly Tiv, with a few Idoma and Igede.
Ukum Local Government
Ukum Local Government Area was established in September 1991 during Col. Fidelis A. Makka’s military administration. According to the 2006 census, Ukum LGA has a population of 216,930 people.
The major ethnic groups in Ukum LGA are TIV, Idoma, Igala, Utono, Akpa, and Etulo. The people of Ukum LGA are predominantly farmers, and they produce food crops like yams, rice, cassava, maize, guinea corn, beans, groundnuts, and vegetables. Yam is one of their main crops. They have the world’s largest yam market, Zaki Biam, which accounts for more than 70% of yam cultivated in Africa, making Nigeria by far the world’s largest producer of yams, with 18.3 million tonnes from 1.5 million hectares, accounting for more than 70-76 percent of global production.
The LGA is also blessed with mineral resources like limestone, clay, granite, and timber, which provide employment opportunities for the people.
Otukpo Local Government
Otukpo Local Government Area was established in the year 1923 making it the oldest local government in Benue state. Otukpo LGA has a population of about 266,411, according to the 2006 census.
The major ethnic groups in Otukpo LGA are Idoma, Igede, Hausa, Tiv, Igbo, etc. The local language is Idoma. Christianity and Islam are the two major religions practiced in the area.
The main economic activities of the people are farming, fishing, trading and civil service. Otukpo LGA is located in the derived savanna vegetation belt, with its southern parts receiving high rainfall. Major crops grown are yams, cassava, rice, millet, soybeans, guinea corn, maize, groundnuts, and leafy vegetables. This LGA houses a lot of sectors, including transportation, banks, Hotels, Restaurants, Schools, and many more.
Otukpo LGA also has natural resources like limestone, clay, sharp sand, laterite, etc. The council relies on statutory allocations from the federal government and internally generated revenue from markets and motor parks.
Katsina-Ala Local Government
Katsina-Ala Local Government Area was created in 1976; it is a cosmopolitan settlement on the Northern Bank of the river from which the town takes its name. Katsina-Ala Local Government is the location of an important archeological site where artifacts of the Nok culture have been discovered. Katsina-Ala LGA has an area of 2,402 km2 (927 sq mi). The postal code for this LGA is 980.
Katsina-Ala has an estimated population of over 224,718 people, according to the 2006 census. The major ethnic groups are Tiv, Idoma, Hausa, Etulo, and Fulani. The people are mostly farmers, producing crops like yams, rice, beans, sorghum, millet, and cassava. Katsina-Ala also has a cattle market, which contributes greatly to the local government’s internal revenue generation.
Some of the major sources of income for Katsina-Ala LGA include:
- Agriculture: The LGA is an agricultural hub and generates revenue through farming activities.
- Commerce: There is a large market in the area which serves as a commercial center.
- Cattle market: The cattle market in the LGA generates huge revenue for the council.
Agatu Local Government
Agatu Local Government Area was created in 1976. It used to be the Agatu district of the old Otukpo division. Agatu LGA has its headquarters in Obagaji. According to the 2006 census, Agatu has a population of over 115,597 people.
The major source of income for Agatu LGA is agriculture, with the people cultivating yam, rice, cassava, maize, millet, sorghum, etc. Agatu also has a river port at Egbe, which provides an avenue for fishing and serves as a link between Lokoja and Makurdi. The presence of River Benue has made fishing and dry-season farming possible.
Ogbadibo Local Government
Ogbadibo Local Government Area was created in 1991 and has three districts, namely Orokam, Owukpa, and Otukpa. The Local Government’s headquarters is located in Otukpa Town. Ogbadibo is one of the richest Local Governments in Benue state because of the presence of major agricultural produce like Yam, Rice, Beans, Cassava, etc. The population of the local government was 128,707 people based on the 2006 census figure, and It has an area of 598 km2.
Kwande Local Government
Kwande Local Government Area was created on February 3, 1976, out of the erstwhile Katsina Ala Division under the military government of General Murtala Mohammed. It is located in the southern senatorial district of Benue state, with its headquarters in the town of Adikpo. It has an area of 2,891 km2.
Kwande LGA has a population of over 248,697 people, according to the 2006 census, made up of the Igede, Ogbia and Etulo ethnic groups. The main occupations are farming and trading. Major cash crops grown are yams, cassava, rice, maize, beniseed and mango.
Vandeikya Local Government
Vandeikya LGA was formed in 1976 from the Gboko Local Government Council. The Vandeikya are a welcoming people who are mostly Christians with a few traditionalists. Vandeikya is located in Benue State’s south-eastern region and shares borders with Obudu and Bekwarra in Cross River State to the east, Ushongo to the north, and Konshisha LGA to the west. The administrative council is divided into twelve wards.
The LGA is a rich agricultural zone, with the inhabitants engaging mostly in farming. The area is blessed with fertile land, and the major cash crops are yams, cassava, rice, and beniseed. The LGA also has mineral deposits like limestone, clay, and lead. These natural resources contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of Vandeikya LGA.
Ado Local Government
Ado Local Government Area is one of the richest LGAs in Benue State. Located in the southern senatorial district, Ado became an LGA in 1989 and derived its name from the Ado stream. The people of Ado are predominantly Idoma and Igbo, with a population of over 248,000.
The economy of Ado depends primarily on agriculture, especially for large arm-sized yam tubers and cassava farming, as well as trade. It is also known for its rich agricultural soil, especially in the Agila area. Ado also has deposits of limestone, Petroleum, coal, clay, lead, and zinc. These natural resources, along with the large population, contribute significantly to Ado’s wealth and development.
Why Some Local Governments Are Wealthier Than Others
Some local governments in Benue state are wealthier than others for several reasons:
Natural resources
Areas with valuable natural resources like crude oil, solid minerals, fertile agricultural land, forestry, water resources, etc. tend to generate more revenue and prosperity. Local governments like Gboko, Makurdi, and Otukpo have fertile land and agricultural opportunities.
Commercial activities
Local governments with booming commercial activities, markets, industries, and businesses will generate more revenue from taxes, dues, and levies. Makurdi, the state capital, is a commercial hub.
Government presence
The presence of government ministries, parastatals, agencies, and institutions in a local government area stimulates economic activities and job opportunities. More people earn and spend money in the area.
Population
Densely populated local governments have a larger tax base to generate revenue from personal income tax, property tax, dues, and levies. Areas like Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo have large populations.
Skilled population
Educated and skilled populations tend to earn higher incomes, pay more taxes, and drive more economic activities. Local governments with higher education institutions tend to benefit.
Tourism
Local governments with tourist attractions like natural sights, cultural festivals, historical sites, etc., generate revenue from tourism, hospitality, and related businesses. Areas like Makurdi benefit from tourism.
Security
Secure areas with lower crime rates attract more economic activities, investments, and higher-income earners. People earn and spend more, increasing wealth. Makurdi and Gboko experience more security.
Infrastructure
Well-developed infrastructure like roads, electricity, water, transportation, etc., drives economic prosperity by facilitating commerce, mobility, and access. Makurdi, as the state capital, has better infrastructure.
Investment Opportunities in Benue State
Benue State is endowed with abundant natural and human resources. Some of the investment opportunities in the state are:
Agriculture
Benue State is regarded as the ‘food basket’ of the nation due to its fertile land. The state has opportunities in crop and livestock farming. Crops like yam, cassava, rice, beans, sorghum, millet, and maize can be cultivated. The state also has opportunities in fishery, poultry, and cattle rearing.
Tourism
Benue State has beautiful rocks, hills, springs, lakes, and rivers, which provide opportunities for tourism.
Mining
Benue State has large deposits of limestone, coal, crude oil, bauxite, gypsum, and lead. These provide opportunities in mining and quarrying.
Forestry
Benue State has abundant forest resources with opportunities in timber production, wood processing, and forest conservation.
Cottage Industries
Opportunities exist in craft making, pottery, blacksmithing, dyeing, basket and mat weaving. These can be developed into small-scale enterprises.
Education and Health
There are opportunities to establish private schools, skills acquisition centers, and private hospitals to meet the educational and health needs of the people.
In summary, Benue State has immense opportunities for investment in agriculture, tourism, mining, forestry, cottage industries, education, and health. With available natural and human resources, the state has great potential for economic growth and development. Investors can harness these opportunities for mutual benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most asked questions about the richest local government in Benue State.
What are the criteria used to determine the richest LGAs in Benue State?
Several factors are considered, including:
- The amount of revenue generated from taxes, levies, and natural resources. LGAs with large agricultural or commercial bases tend to be wealthier.
- The allocation is received from the federal account. LGAs with larger populations receive more funding.
- Availability of infrastructure like good road networks, healthcare, schools, etc. Wealthier LGAs can afford to invest more in infrastructure and public services.
- Economic activity and job opportunities. LGAs with more businesses, trade, and commerce tend to prosper.
Why is Makurdi LGA the richest LGA in Benue?
Makurdi LGA is home to Makurdi, the state capital and main commercial center. It generates substantial revenue from trade, real estate, and tourism. It also receives the largest allocation from the federal account due to its large population.
Which tribe dominates Benue State?
Benue State is made up of numerous ethnic groups, including Tiv, Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Abakpa, Jukun, Hausa, Akweya, and Nyifon. The Tiv are the dominant ethnic group, with 14 local government areas, while the Idoma and Igede occupy the remaining nine.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 10 richest local government areas in Benue state based on their internally generated revenue and allocation from the federal government. No doubt, Makurdi, the state capital, tops the list. The abundance of economic activities and major markets like the Wadata market, Modern market, and North Bank market contribute immensely to its revenue generation. If you’re looking to do business or invest in Benue state, these LGAs should top your list. They have the highest potential for business growth and sustainability. And for those of you living in any of these LGAs, you’re certainly in one of the best locations in the state. Keep supporting your local businesses and paying your taxes, it will go a long way to improve infrastructure and living standards.