In Nigeria, wealth distribution isn’t just limited to states—local government areas (LGAs) play a critical role in driving the country’s economy. Some LGAs, due to their location, population, industries, or commercial activities, generate massive Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) annually.
Below is a list of the top 20 richest LGAs in Nigeria in 2025, based on their economic activity, revenue strength, and strategic importance.
1. Lagos Island LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR: ₦65 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Financial services, commerce, real estate
- Key Areas: Marina, Broad Street, Idumota
2. Ikeja LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR: ₦55 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Government, aviation, tech (Computer Village)
- Key Areas: Alausa, Maryland, Opebi
3. Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State
- Estimated IGR: ₦50 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Oil & gas, manufacturing, real estate
- Key Areas: Rumuokoro, Woji, GRA Phase 3
4. Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR: ₦48 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: High-end real estate, tourism, business
- Key Areas: Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi
5. Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), FCT
- Estimated IGR: ₦45 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Federal institutions, embassies, real estate
- Key Areas: Maitama, Wuse, Garki
6. Alimosho LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR: ₦35 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Commerce, transportation, housing
- Key Areas: Egbeda, Akowonjo, Ikotun
7. Ibadan North LGA, Oyo State
- Estimated IGR: ₦30 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Education, commerce, government
- Key Areas: Agbowo, Sango, Bodija
8. Enugu North LGA, Enugu State
- Estimated IGR: ₦28 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Government, hospitality, trade
- Key Areas: Ogui, New Haven, Independence Layout
9. Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State
- Estimated IGR: ₦27 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Oil revenue, real estate, commerce
- Key Areas: Ewet Housing, Aka Road
10. Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State
- Estimated IGR: ₦25 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Trade, education, agriculture
- Key Areas: Fate, Tanke, University Road
11. Kaduna North LGA, Kaduna State
- Estimated IGR: ₦24 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Government, industry, education
- Key Areas: Kawo, Ungwan Sarki
12. Warri South LGA, Delta State
- Estimated IGR: ₦23 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Oil & gas, seaport, trade
- Key Areas: Enerhen, Okere, Ogunu
13. Bori LGA (Khana), Rivers State
- Estimated IGR: ₦22 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Agriculture, oil-related services
14. Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State
- Estimated IGR: ₦21 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Manufacturing, trade, transportation
- Key Industries: Auto parts, machinery
15. Onitsha North LGA, Anambra State
- Estimated IGR: ₦20 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Commerce, port activities
- Key Market: Onitsha Main Market (largest in West Africa)
16. Calabar Municipal LGA, Cross River State
- Estimated IGR: ₦19 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Tourism, hospitality, seaport
- Key Events: Calabar Carnival
17. Jos North LGA, Plateau State
- Estimated IGR: ₦18 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Tin mining, education, trade
- Institutions: University of Jos
18. Yola South LGA, Adamawa State
- Estimated IGR: ₦17 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Trade, education, agriculture
19. Zaria LGA, Kaduna State
- Estimated IGR: ₦16 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Education, commerce
- Institution: Ahmadu Bello University
20. Maiduguri Metropolitan LGA, Borno State
- Estimated IGR: ₦15 Billion+
- Economic Drivers: Government, NGOs, commerce
- Significance: North-East hub for reconstruction and aid
Summary Table: Top 20 Richest LGAs in Nigeria (2025)
|
Rank |
LGA |
State |
Est. IGR (₦) |
Key Strengths |
|
1 |
Lagos Island |
Lagos |
₦65B+ |
Finance, commerce |
|
2 |
Ikeja |
Lagos |
₦55B+ |
Tech, government |
|
3 |
Obio-Akpor |
Rivers |
₦50B+ |
Oil, real estate |
|
4 |
Eti-Osa |
Lagos |
₦48B+ |
Luxury real estate |
|
5 |
AMAC |
FCT |
₦45B+ |
Federal presence |
|
6 |
Alimosho |
Lagos |
₦35B+ |
Commerce, population |
|
7 |
Ibadan North |
Oyo |
₦30B+ |
Education, trade |
|
8 |
Enugu North |
Enugu |
₦28B+ |
Government, trade |
|
9 |
Uyo |
Akwa Ibom |
₦27B+ |
Oil & infrastructure |
|
10 |
Ilorin South |
Kwara |
₦25B+ |
Education, government |
|
11 |
Kaduna North |
Kaduna |
₦24B+ |
Government, education |
|
12 |
Warri South |
Delta |
₦23B+ |
Oil, port |
|
13 |
Bori (Khana) |
Rivers |
₦22B+ |
Oil-related economy |
|
14 |
Nnewi North |
Anambra |
₦21B+ |
Manufacturing, industry |
|
15 |
Onitsha North |
Anambra |
₦20B+ |
Trade, seaport |
|
16 |
Calabar Municipal |
Cross River |
₦19B+ |
Tourism |
|
17 |
Jos North |
Plateau |
₦18B+ |
Mining, education |
|
18 |
Yola South |
Adamawa |
₦17B+ |
Agriculture, trade |
|
19 |
Zaria |
Kaduna |
₦16B+ |
Education, commerce |
|
20 |
Maiduguri Metropolitan |
Borno |
₦15B+ |
Government, aid economy |
FAQs
Which state has the most LGAs in the richest list?
Lagos State, with 4 LGAs: Lagos Island, Ikeja, Eti-Osa, and Alimosho.
Which non-Lagos LGAs are the richest?
Obio-Akpor (Rivers), AMAC (Abuja), and Ibadan North (Oyo) are top contenders outside Lagos.
How do LGAs in Nigeria generate income?
They generate revenue through local taxes, levies, markets, motor parks, licensing, and federal allocations.
Conclusion
Nigeria's local government areas are economic engines powering both rural and urban development. These top 20 LGAs stand out in 2025 for their ability to independently generate revenue, create jobs, and contribute to national growth. Their success shows the potential of decentralizing development for economic transformation.
