Full List of Local Government In Nigeria & Their Functions

If you’re looking for detailed information on the total number of local governments in Nigeria, you’re reading the best piece with all the information you need.

I am a Nigerian citizen, from one of the 36 states of the country and I hail from a particular Local government.

In this updated article about local governments in Nigeria, you’ll find accurate information about:

• What is local government in Nigeria
• History of local government in Nigeria
• How much local governments in Nigeria today
• Functions of local government in Nigeria pdf
• Local government in Nigeria from 1960 to date
• The administrative structure of local government in Nigeria
• Organogram of local government in Nigeria

Let’s start with a very important question..

What Is A Local Government?

Local government is the closest government to us. It is easier to reach the Local government than it is to the State governments, talk less of the Federal government.

The local government areas in Nigeria are subdivisions of the states created to bring the government benefits closer to the people, also to ensure the effective administration of resources.

There are a total of 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Yes, the total number of local government in Nigeria is 774.

These 774 local government areas, extended unevenly across the 36 states, are further divided into wards.

The minimum number of wards per local government in Nigeria is 10 and the maximum number is 15. Report says there are 12, 001 wards in Nigeria.

List of Local Governments In Nigeria And Their States

The list below shows the states and the total number of local governments in Nigeria.

Truth be told, in the history of Nigeria, the creation of local governments has played a vital role in the smooth running of the country.

Here’s the number of local governments in each state in Nigeria.

Abia State

There are 17 local governments in Abia state namely;

• Aba North LGA, Aba South LGA, Arochukwu LGA, Bende LGA, Ikwuano LGA, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Isuikwuato LGA, Obi Ngwa LGA, Ohafia LGA, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, Ugwunagbo LGA, Ukwa East LGA, Ukwa West LGA, Umuahia North LGA, Umuahia South LGA, Umu Nneochi LGA.

Adamawa State

Adamawa state is endowed with a total of 21 local government areas which are;

• Demsa LGA, Fufore LGA, Ganye LGA, Girei LGA, Gombi LGA, Guyuk LGA, Hong LGA, Jada LGA, Lamurde LGA, Madagali LGA, Maiha LGA, Mayo-Belwa LGA, Michika LGA, Mubi North LGA, Mubi South LGA, Numan LGA, Shelling LGA, Song LGA, Tongo LGA, Yola North LGA, Yola South LGA.

Anambra State

The same goes for Anambra state with twenty-one local government areas.

• Aguata LGA, Awka North LGA, Awka South LGA, Anambra East LGA, Anambra West LGA, Anaocha LGA, Ayamelum LGA, Dunukofia LGA, Ekwusigo LGA, Idemili North LGA, Idemili South LGA, Ihiala LGA, Njikoka LGA, Nnewi North LGA, Nnewi South LGA, Ogbaru LGA, Onitsha North LGA, Onitsha South LGA, Orumba North LGA, Orumba South LGA, Oyi LGA.

Akwa Ibom State

Akwa Ibo state has 31 local government areas;

• Abak LGA, Eastern Obolo LGA, Eket LGA, Esit-Eket LGA, Essien Udim LGA, Etim-Ekpo LGA, Etinan LGA, Ibeno LGA, Ibesikpo-Asutan LGA, Ibiono-Ibom LGA, Ika LGA, Ikono LGA, Ikot Abasi LGA, Ikot Ekpene LGA, Ini LGA, Itu LGA, Mbo LGA, Mkpat-Enin LGA, Nsit-Atai LGA, Nsit-Ibom LGA, Nsit-Ubium LGA, Obot-Akara LGA, Okobo LGA, Onna LGA, Oron LGA, Oruk Anam LGA, Ukanafun LGA, Udung-Uko LGA, Uruan LGA, Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA, Uyo LGA.

Bauchi State

Bauchi has got 20 LGAs namely;

• Bauchi LGA, Tafawa Balewa LGA, Dass LGA, Toro LGA, Bogoro LGA, Ningi LGA, Warji LGA, Ganjuwa LGA, Kirfi LGA, Alkaleri LGA, Darazo LGA, Misau LGA, Giade LGA, Shira LGA, Jama’are LGA, Katagum LGA, Itas/Gadau LGA, Zaki LGA, Gamawa LGA, Damban LGA.

Bayelsa State

This state has 9 local government areas;

• Brass LGA, Ekeremor LGA, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, Nembe LGA, Ogbia LGA, Sagbama LGA, Southern Ijaw LGA, Yenagoa LGA

Benue State

You’ll find 22 local government areas in Benue state;

• Ado LGA, Agatu LGA, Apa LGA, Buruku LGA, Gboko LGA, Guma LGA, Gwer East LGA, Gwer West LGA, Katsina-Ala LGA, Konshisha LGA, Kwande LGA, Logo LGA, Makurdi LGA, Obi LGA, Ogbadibo LGA, Ohimini LGA, Oju LGA, Okpokwu LGA, Otukpo LGA, Tarka LGA, Ukum LGA, Ushongo LGA, Vandeikya LGA.

Borno State

Listed below are 27 local government areas in Borno state.

• Abadan LGA, Askira/Uba LGA, Bama LGA, Bayo LGA, Biu LGA, Chibok LGA, Damboa LGA, Dikwagubio LGA, Guzamala LGA, Gwoza LGA, Hawul LGA, Jere LGA, Kaga LGA, Kalka/Balge LGA, Konduga LGA, Kukawa LGA, Kwaya-ku LGA, Mafa LGA, Magumeri LGA, Maiduguri LGA, Marte LGA, Mobbar LGA, Monguno LGA, Ngala LGA, Nganzai LGA, Shani LGA.

Cross River State

18 local government areas is all Cross Rivers state has;

• Abi LGA, Akamkpa LGA, Akpabuyo LGA, Bakassi LGA, Bekwarra LGA, Biase LGA, Boki LGA, Calabar Municipal, Calabar South LGA, Etung LGA, Ikom LGA, Obanliku LGA, Obubra LGA, Obudu LGA, Odukpani LGA, Ogoja LGA, Yakuur LGA, Yala LGA.

Delta State

As one of the states with the highest local government areas,  has twenty-five LGA’s;

• Aniocha South LGA, Anioha LGA, Bomadi LGA, Burutu LGA, Ethiope west LGA, Ethiope east LGA, Ika south LGA, Ika north east LGA, Isoko south LGA, Isoko north LGA, Ndokwa east LGA, Ndokwa west LGA, Okpe LGA, Oshimili north LGA, Oshimili south LGA, Patani LGA, Sapele LGA, Udu LGA, Ughelli south LGA, Ughelli north LGA, Ukwuani LGA, Uviwie LGA, Warri central LGA, Warri north LGA, Warri south LGA.

Ebonyi State

Ebonyi has 13 LGAs

• Abakaliki LGA, Afikpo North LGA, Afikpo South (Edda) LGA, Ebonyi LGA, Ezza North LGA, Ezza South LGA, Ikwo LGA, Ishielu LGA, Ivo LGA, Izzi LGA, Ohaozara LGA, Ohaukwu LGA, Onicha LGA.

Enugu State

There are a total of seventeen local governments in Enugu state;

• Aninri LGA, Awgu LGA, Enugu East LGA, Enugu North LGA, Enugu South LGA, Ezeagu LGA, Igbo Etiti LGA, Igbo Eze North LGA, Igbo Eze South LGA, Isi Uzo LGA, Nkanu East LGA, Nkanu West LGA, Nsukka LGA, Oji River LGA, Udenu LGA, Udi LGA, Uzo-Uwani LGA.

Edo State

Next is Edo with 19 local government areas.

• Akoko-Edo LGA, Egor LGA, Esan Central LGA, Esan North-East LGA, Esan South-East LGA, Esan West LGA, Etsako Central LGA, Etsako East LGA, Etsako West LGA, Igueben LGA, Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Oredo LGA, Orhionmwon LGA, Ovia North-East LGA, Ovia South-West LGA, Owan East LGA, Owan West LGA, Uhunmwonde LGA.

Ekiti State

We have 16 local governments in Ekiti state.

• Ado-Ekiti LGA, Ikere LGA, Oye LGA, Aiyekire (Gbonyin) LGA, Efon LGA, Ekiti East LGA, Ekiti South-West LGA, Ekiti West LGA, Emure LGA, Ido-Osi LGA, Ijero LGA, Ikole LGA, Ilejemeje LGA, Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, Ise/Orun LGA, Moba LGA.

Gombe State

This state has just 11 local government areas and they are;

• Akko LGA, Balanga LGA, Billiri LGA, Dukku LGA, Dunakaye LGA, Gombe LGA, Kaltungo LGA, Kwami LGA, Nafada/Bajoga LGA, Shomgom LGA, Yamaltu/Deba LGA.

Imo State

Imo state local government areas are 27 in total.

• Aboh Mbaise LGA, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Ehime Mbano LGA, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Ideato North LGA, Ideato South LGA, Ihitte/Uboma LGA, Ikeduru LGA, Isiala Mbano LGA, Isu LGA, Mbaitoli LGA, Ngor Okpala LGA, Njaba LGA, Nkwerre LGA, Nwangele LGA, Obowo LGA, Oguta LGA, Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Okigwe LGA, Onuimo LGA, Orlu LGA, Orsu LGA, Oru East LGA, Oru West LGA, Owerri Municipal, Owerri North LGA, Owerri West LGA, Nwangele LGA.

Jigawa State

Jigawa state is also blessed with 27 local governments;

• Auyo LGA, Babura LGA, Biriniwa LGA, Birnin Kudu LGA, Buji LGA, Dutse LGA, Gagarawa LGA, Garki LGA, Gumel LGA, Guri LGA, Gwaram LGA, Gwiwa LGA, Hadejia LGA, Jahun LGA, Kafin Hausa LGA, Kaugama LGA, Kazaure LGA, Kiri Kasama LGA, Kiyawa LGA, Maigatari LGA, Malam Madori LGA, Miga LGA, Ringim LGA, Roni LGA, Sule Tankarkar LGA, Taura LGA, Yankwashi LGA.

Kaduna State

23 local government areas is all Kaduna state has;

• Birnin Gwari LGA, Chikun LGA, Giwa LGA, Igabi LGA, Ikara LGA, Jaba LGA, Jema’a LGA, Kachia LGA, Kaduna North LGA, Kaduna South LGA, Kagarko LGA, Kajuru LGA, Kaura LGA, Kauru LGA, Kubau LGA, Kudan LGA, Lere LGA, Makarfi LGA, Sabon Gari LGA, Sanga LGA, Soba LGA, Zangon Kataf LGA, Zaria LGA.

Kano State

Kano state has 44 local government areas;

• Ajingi LGA, Albasu LGA, Bagwai LGA, Bebeji LGA, Bichi LGA, Bunkure LGA, Dala LGA, Dambatta LGA, Dawakin kudu LGA, Dawakin Tofa LGA, Doguwa LGA, Fagge LGA, Gabasawa LGA, Garko LGA, Garun Mallam LGA, Gaya LGA, Gezawa LGA, Gwale LGA, Gwarzo LGA, Kabo LGA, Kano Municipal, Karaye LGA, Kibiya LGA, Kiru LGA, Kumbtso LGA, Kunchi LGA, Kura LGA, Madobi LGA, Makoda LGA, Minjibir LGA, Nassarawa LGA, Rano LGA, Rimin Gado LGA, Rogo LGA, Shanono LGA, Sumaila LGA, Takai LGA, Tarauni LGA, Tofa LGA, Tsanyawa LGA, Tudun Wada LGA, Ungogo LGA, Warawa LGA, Wudil LGA.

Katsina State

Also in the league of states with of highest local government areas, Katsina has 34 local government areas which are;

• Bakori LGA, Batagarawa LGA, Batsari LGA, Baure LGA, Bindawa LGA, Charanchi LGA, Dan Musa LGA, Dandume LGA, Danja LGA, Daura LGA, Dutsi LGA, Dutsin-Ma LGA, Faskari LGA, Funtua LGA, Ingawa LGA, Jibia LGA, Kafur LGA, Kaita LGA, Kankara LGA, Kankia LGA, Katsina LGA, Kurfi LGA, Kusada LGA, Mai’Adua LGA, Malumfashi LGA, Mani LGA, Mashi LGA, Matazu LGA, Musawa LGA, Rimi LGA, Sabuwa LGA, Safana LGA, Sandamu LGA, Zango LGA.

Kebbi State

There are 21 local governments in Kebbi state;

• Aleiro LGA, Arewa Dandi LGA, Argungu LGA, Augie LGA, Bagudo LGA, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Bunza LGA, Dandi LGA, Fakai LGA, Gwandu LGA, Jega LGA, Kalgo LGA, Koko/Besse LGA, Maiyama LGA, Ngaski LGA, Sakaba LGA, Shanga LGA, Suru LGA, Danko/Wasagu LGA, Yauri LGA, Zuru LGA.

Kogi State

There are also 21 local government areas in Kogi state. Listed below;

• Adavi LGA, Ajaokuta LGA, Ankpa LGA, Bassa LGA, Dekina LGA, Ibaji LGA, Idah LGA, Igalamela-Odolu LGA, Ijumu LGA, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Koton Karfe LGA, Lokoja LGA, Mopa-Muro LGA, Ofu LGA, Ogori/Magongo LGA, Okehi LGA, Okene LGA, Olamaboro LGA, Omala LGA, Yagba East LGA, Yagba West LGA.

Kwara State

There are sixteen local governments in Kwara state;

• Asa LGA, Baruten LGA, Edu LGA, Ekiti LGA, Ifelodun LGA, Ilorin East LGA, Ilorin South LGA, Ilorin West LGA, Irepodun LGA, Isin LGA, Kaiama LGA, Moro LGA, Offa LGA, Oke Ero LGA, Oyun LGA, Pategi LGA.

Lagos State

Lagos state has 20 local government areas all across various constituencies.

• Agege LGA, Alimosho Ifelodun LGA, Alimosho LGA, Amuwo-Odofin LGA, Apapa LGA, Badagry LGA, Epe LGA, Eti-Osa LGA, Ibeju- Lekki LGA, Ifako/Ijaye LGA, Ikeja LGA, Ikorodu LGA, Kosofe LGA, Lagos Island LGA, Lagos Mainland LGA, Mushin LGA, Ojo LGA, Oshodi –Isolo LGA, Shomolu LGA, Surulere LGA.

Nassarawa State

This state is divided into 13 local government areas;

• Akwanga LGA, Awe LGA, Doma LGA, Karu LGA, Keana LGA, Keffi LGA, Kokona LGA, Lafia LGA, Nassarawa LGA, Nassarawa/Eggon LGA, Obi LGA, Toto LGA, Wamba LGA.

Niger State

Niger State is divided into twenty-five Local Government Areas. They are

• Agaie LGA, Agwara LGA, Bida LGA, Borgu LGA, Bosso LGA, Chanchaga LGA, Edati LGA, Gbako LGA, Gurara LGA, Katcha LGA, Kontagora LGA, Lapai LGA, Lavun LGA, Magama LGA, Mariga LGA, Mashegu LGA, Mokwa LGA, Munya LGA, Paikoro LGA, Rafi LGA, Rijau LGA, Shiroro LGA, Suleja LGA, Tafa LGA, Wushishi LGA.

Ogun State

There are 20 LGA’s in Ogun state;

• Abeokuta North LGA, Abeokuta South LGA, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ewekoro LGA, Ifo LGA, Ijebu East LGA, Ijebu North LGA, Ijebu North East LGA, Ijebu Ode LGA, Ikenne LGA, Imeko Afon LGA, Ipokia LGA, Obafemi Owode LGA, Odogbolu LGA, Odeda LGA, Ogun Waterside LGA, Remo North LGA, Sagamu LGA, Yewa North LGA, Yewa South LGA.

Ondo State

Ondo State is divided in eighteen Local Government Areas. They are:

• Akoko north LGA, Akoko north east LGA, Akoko south east LGA, Akoko south LGA, Akure north LGA, Akure LGA, Idanre LGA, Ifedore LGA, Ese Odo LGA, Ilaje LGA, Ile Oluji/Okeigbo LGA, Irele LGA, Odigbo LGA, Okitipupa LGA, Ondo LGA, Ondo east LGA, Ose LGA, Owo LGA.

Osun State

There are 30 local governments in Osun state.

• Atakumosa west LGA, Atakumosa east LGA, Ayedaade LGA, Ayedire LGA, Bolawaduro LGA, Boripe, LGA, Ede LGA, Ede north LGA, Egbedore LGA, Ejigbo LGA, Ife north LGA, Ife central LGA, Ife south LGA, Ife east LGA, Ifedayo, Ifelodun LGA, Ilesha west LGA, Ila- orangun LGA, Ilesah east LGA, Irepodun LGA, Irewole LGA, Isokan LGA, Iwo LGA, Obokun LGA, Odo-otin LGA, ola oluwa LGA, olorunda LGA, Oriade LGA, Orolu LGA, Osogbo LGA.

Oyo State

Oyo state local government areas are divided into 33 with 600 wards altogether.

• Akinyele Moniya LGA, Afijio Jobele LGA, Egbeda Egbeda LGA, Ibadan North Agodi Gate LGA, Ibadan North-East Iwo Road LGA, Ibadan North-West LGA, Ibadan South-West Ring Road LGA, Ibadan South-East Mapo LGA, Ibarapa Central LGA, Ibarapa East Eruwa LGA, Ido LGA, Irepo LGA, Iseyin LGA, Kajola LGA, Lagelu LGA, Ogbomosho North LGA, Ogbomosho South LGA, Oyo West Ojongbodu LGA, Atiba Ofa Meta LGA, Atisbo Tede LGA, Saki West LGA, Saki East LGA, Itesiwaju Otu LGA, Iwajowa LGA, Ibarapa North LGA, Olorunsogo LGA, Oluyole LGA, Ogo Oluwa LGA, Surulere LGA, Orelope LGA, Ori Ire LGA, Oyo East LGA, Ona Ara LGA.

Plateau State

Plateau state has 17 local governments.

• Barkin Ladi LGA, Bassa LGA, Bokkos LGA, Jos East LGA, Jos North LGA, Jos South LGA, Kanam LGA, Kanke LGA, Langtang North LGA, Langtang South LGA, Mangu LGA, Mikang LGA, Pankshin LGA, Qua’an Pan LGA, Riyom LGA, Shendam LGA, Wase LGA.

Rivers State

Rivers State is divided into twenty-three Local Government Areas. They are;

• Abua-Odual LGA, Ahoada East LGA, Ahoada West LGA, Akuku-Toru LGA, Andoni LGA, Asari-Toru LGA, Bonny LGA, Degema LGA, Eleme LGA, Emohua LGA, Etche LGA, Gokana LGA, Ikwerre LGA, Oyigbo LGA, Khana LGA, Obio-Akpor LGA, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, Ogu-bolo LGA, Okrika LGA, Omumma LGA, Opobo-Nkoro LGA, Portharcourt LGA, Tai LGA.

Sokoto State

There are 23 local government areas in Sokoto state;

• Binji LGA, Bodinga LGA, Dange Shuni LGA, Gada LGA, Goronyo LGA, Gudu LGA, Gwadabawa LGA, Illela LGA, Isa LGA, Kebbe LGA, Kware LGA, Rabah LGA, Sabon Birni LGA, Shagari LGA, Silame LGA, Sokoto North LGA, Sokoto South LGA, Tambuwal LGA, Tangaza LGA, Tureta LGA, Wamako LGA, Wurno LGA, Yabo LGA.

Taraba State

There are 16 local government areas in Taraba;

• Ardo Kola LGA, Bali LGA, Donga LGA, Gashaka LGA, Gassol LGA, Ibi LGA, Jalingo LGA, Karim Lamido LGA, Kurmi LGA, Lau LGA, Sardauna LGA, Takum LGA, Ussa LGA, Wukari LGA, Yorro LGA, Zing LGA.

Yobe State

Yobe state is also divided into 17 LGA’s;

• Bade LGA, Bursari LGA, Damaturu LGA, Geidam LGA, Gujba LGA, Gulani LGA, Fika LGA, Fune LGA, Jakusko LGA, Karasuwa LGA, Machina LGA, Nangere LGA, Nguru LGA, Potiskum LGA, Tarmuwa LGA, Yunusari LGA, Yusufari LGA.

Zamfara State

Zamfara state has a total of 14 Local Government Areas;

• Anka LGA, Bakura LGA, Birnin Magaji/Kiyaw LGA, Bukkuyum LGA, Bungudu LGA, Tsafe LGA, Gummi LGA, Gusau LGA, Kaura Namoda LGA, Maradun LGA, Maru LGA, Shinkafi LGA, Talata Mafara LGA, Zurmi LGA.

MUST-READ: The History of Nigerian Civil War – The Untold Story of Biafra

Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)

Abuja is divided into six Local Government Areas which are:

• Abaji LGA Abuja Municipal Gwagwalada LGA Kuje LGA Bwari LGA Kwali LGA.

History of Local Government In Nigeria

The Federal government could not cover all areas in Nigeria considering how big our country is, so 36 Nigerian states and capital were created.

But alas! The states could not cover all areas within themselves, as the population is ever growing and so there is occupancy of more land surfaces; and so unto us, Local government in Nigeria was born.

The Local Government Service Commission was established under the Local Government Service Commission Act 1975 and came into operation on the 18th of August 1983

The local government areas in Nigeria are subdivisions of the states created to bring the government benefits closer to the people, also to ensure for the effective administration of resources.

You should know that the local government in Nigeria is the third level of government in the Nigerian government structure.

It is the level of government that is closer to the people and is within the people. Just as there is a division of power in other tiers, so there is at this tier.

The relationship between all arms of government is strictly taken seriously by any Nigerian president, as funds are allocated to each LGA in the yearly budget.

So, how much local government are in Nigeria?

Besides, looking at the whole thing, we do not just have a country, we have states spread across geopolitical regions, and we have towns and villages isn’t it?

So tell me, how do you think the state government can reach that corner from where you hail? Talk less of the Federal government. There’s no way around it, local governments in Nigeria had to be created.

So, how many local governments do we have in Nigeria today?  How many local governments are in Nigeria does exist?

Which State Has the Largest Local Government Area In Nigeria?

Kano state has the largest local government area in Nigeria with a total of 44!

Obio akpor, one of the local government areas in Rivers state, has been reported to be the richest local government in Nigeria.

Abuja – the Federal Capital Territory and the first planned city in Africa have 6 local government areas and it was chosen as Nigeria’s capital on December 12, 1991.

Which State Has the Lowest Local Government Area In Nigeria?

Bayelsa state has the lowest local government area. You can download Local Government In Nigeria PDF for offline use.

Which Is The Most Populated Local Government Area In Nigeria

Hmm, I think we should answer this together don’t you think?

If Kano state has the highest number of local government areas in Nigeria, which other states should have the most populated local government in Nigeria?

The results of the 2019 Presidential elections have given us an insight into what the population of people in the North looks like.

If it’s not in Kano, the most populated local government should be in another Northern state.

Political and Administrative Structure of Local Governments In Nigeria

The arms of government in Nigeria operate at every level starting from the top-level (federal government level) to the last level (local government level) of the government.

The 3 tiers of government are not complete without mentioning local government in Nigeria and there’s a strong relationship between these arms of government.

So, how is local government in Nigeria structured and administered? Let’s talk about the executive arms and the legislative arms.

THE EXECUTIVE ARM

The executive arm comprises of the local government chairman, his vice chairman, supervisors, and secretary.

The Local Government Chairman

The chairman is the chief executive officer of the local government in Nigeria he presides over.

Just like the chairman of every political party in Nigeria, he is held accountable for some actions when he is in the office.

• He is also the accounts officer of the local government which he presides over.
• He has to authorize payments before they can be made but he is not authorized to sign cheques nor vouchers.
• He liaises with the legislative arm of the local government.
• He prepares and presents monthly statements of income, expenditures, and annual reports to the Local Government Council.
• He also renders quarterly returns of the income and expenditure of the local government to the state government.
• He is the director of affairs of the local government.
• He is responsible for the preparation and presentation of annual budget to the Local Government Council, at the beginning of the year, for consideration, hence, approval.
• He conducts the Local Government Executive Committee (made up of the local government chairman, vice chairman, supervisors, and the secretary) meetings, and also meets with the Local Government Council, at least once a year, to report achievements, and problems encountered in the year.

Let’s talk about another officer – The Vice-chairman.

The Vice-Chairman

The Vice-chairman of any Local government in Nigeria acts as the chairman in the absence of the Chairman.

He also carries out the responsibilities assigned to him by the chairman. He is also responsible for managing departments of the local government.

The Secretary

The secretary keeps a record of the meetings and liaises with the Local Government Council and other appropriate officers of the state government.

Also, he carries out other responsibilities assigned to him by the local government chairman.

The Supervisors

Supervisors are each assigned wards that they preside over. They assist the local government chairman in supervising the execution of local government projects in their wards.

They also carry out the other local government duties assigned to them by the chairman. Now, let’s talk about the legislative arm.

THE LEGISLATIVE ARM

The legislative arm of the local government in Nigeria is called the Local Government Council. It is made up of elected councilors.

The leader and deputy leader of the council are chosen from the elected councilors. The council is responsible for the following:

• Correction and approval of the annual budget presented, to them, by the local government chairman.
• Studying of monthly reports submitted by the local government.
• Consultation and working with local government chairmen.
• Controlling the fulfillment of projects and programs considered in the annual budget.
• Approval of adopted laws (these laws are called bye-laws and are not effective until the local government chairman approves them).

Now, let me show you the organogram of local government in Nigeria.

Organogram of Local Government In Nigeria

What is an Organogram?

According to the Study.com, an organogram is a diagram that shows the structure of an organization and how the various positions are related to each other.

It is frequently used to show the chain of command and relative ranking of various positions in an organization or department and may include information such as the job titles, names, and areas of responsibility for the employees.

Simply put, an organogram of local government shows how local government in Nigeria is seen as an organization. It shows a hierarchical, or ranked, the relationship between officers and departments.

Here’s an organogram of Local government in Nigeria below

Here are few officers in charge of departments in the Local government secretariat.

• Local government chairman
• Executive Secretary
• Director Admin
• Director of Finance
• Director. Social Welfare, Health Education & Women affairs
• Director Maternal & Child Health/Family Planning & Nutrition
• Director of Disease Control, Immunization, Drugs & Equipment
• Director of Planning Monitoring & Evaluation
• Procurement Officer
• Account Officer
• Store Officer
• Admin Officer
• Word Focal Person
• Monitoring & Evaluation Officer

Now, the functions of local governments in Nigeria.

Functions of Local Government In Nigeria

Don’t get it twisted; the local governments in Nigeria are there to serve their various communities.

So what are the duties of local government in Nigeria? What is the most important function of local government areas in Nigeria?

Yes, you heard right. There are times some of us mix up the duties of the state government with that of local government in Nigeria (wait na, no vex leave na. I no sabi sef till recently, make i shine na).

How about I tell you some of their functions (I just found out myself) as described by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

The local government in Nigeria, in any state within Nigeria, is responsible for the following duties:

• Registration of birth, death, and marriage certificates (take a look at your birth certificate, now you understand, right?).
• Construction and maintenance of roads, street drains, parks, open spaces, and other public highways.
• Establishment, maintenance, and regulation of markets, motor parks, etc.
• The naming of roads, streets, and numbering of houses.
• Provision and maintenance of public conveniences sewages, public transportation, and refuse disposal.
• Control and regulation of outdoor advertising, shops, restaurants, kiosks, other venues for sales of food, bakeries, and movement and keeping of pets (imagine, I wonder why I still see stray pets terrorizing someone on the road especially them local dogs).
• Establishment and maintenance of cemeteries, burial grounds, and homes for the infirm or destitute.
• Collection of taxes and fees.
• Licensing of bicycles, canoes, wheelbarrows, carts, and trucks that are not mechanically propelled.
• Assessment of privately owned houses for the purpose of levying rates that may be prescribed by the State House of Assembly.

List of Local Governments In Nigeria (Summary)

When asked how many local governments do we have in Nigeria, I’m sure you can confidently provide an answer. right?

Without the careful structuring of the Nigerian government and having the local government at the lowest level, the government will never be able to reach the masses.

When we say the Nigerian government is for the people and by the people, the existence of Local government in Nigeria is proof because it is the closest government to the people and it is within the people.

Local governments in Nigeria also assist the state government in providing primary education and health services to the citizens; including developing agricultural and natural resources other than the exploitation of minerals.

Whew! So I got it off my chest. Thank you for reading this piece of information I couldn’t wait to share with you.

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