Nigeria has 774 local government areas (LGAs), but only a few generate massive revenue and hold substantial economic and political influence. These LGAs benefit from commercial activities, large populations, strategic location, and natural resources, making them the richest in the country today.
1. Lagos Island LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR (Internally Generated Revenue): ₦65 billion+
- Major Strengths: Banking, commerce, tourism
- Economic Highlights:
- Hosts major banks, headquarters, and Lagos Marina
- Real estate, luxury hotels, and global businesses
- High-value taxation from companies
Lagos Island is the commercial and financial epicenter of Nigeria.
2. Ikeja LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR: ₦55 billion+
- Major Strengths: Government presence, aviation, technology
- Economic Highlights:
- Hosts Murtala Muhammed Airport
- Computer Village (largest tech market in West Africa)
- Seat of Lagos State Government
Ikeja combines tech, aviation, and government for maximum revenue.
3. Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State
- Estimated IGR: ₦50 billion+
- Major Strengths: Oil and gas, industrial activities
- Economic Highlights:
- Hosts major oil companies and refineries
- One of the richest LGAs in the South-South
Obio-Akpor is a major oil-driven economy with elite residential estates and corporate HQs.
4. Eti-Osa LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR: ₦48 billion+
- Major Strengths: Real estate, tourism, finance
- Economic Highlights:
- Home to Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi
- High-income residential and commercial estates
- Toll revenue from Lekki-Epe Expressway
Eti-Osa houses Nigeria’s richest individuals and global brands.
5. Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), FCT
- Estimated IGR: ₦45 billion+
- Major Strengths: Federal government, real estate, diplomacy
- Economic Highlights:
- Hosts embassies, ministries, international organizations
- Real estate development, construction, and politics
AMAC is the administrative heart of Nigeria and thrives on federal presence.
6. Alimosho LGA, Lagos State
- Estimated IGR: ₦35 billion+
- Major Strengths: Population, commerce
- Economic Highlights:
- Most populated LGA in Nigeria
- Active markets, SMEs, and real estate
Alimosho thrives on human capital and local trade, with growing real estate hubs.
7. Ibadan North LGA, Oyo State
- Estimated IGR: ₦30 billion+
- Major Strengths: Education, commerce, public sector
- Economic Highlights:
- Hosts University of Ibadan and major institutions
- Strong business culture and civil service influence
Ibadan North is Oyo State’s economic powerhouse with a rich historical legacy.
8. Enugu North LGA, Enugu State
- Estimated IGR: ₦28 billion+
- Major Strengths: Government, coal mining, trade
- Economic Highlights:
- State capital LGA
- High federal allocation and commercial activity
Enugu North remains a key player in Southeastern Nigeria’s economy.
9. Uyo LGA, Akwa Ibom State
- Estimated IGR: ₦27 billion+
- Major Strengths: Oil revenue, urban growth
- Economic Highlights:
- State capital, administrative center
- Rapidly expanding city infrastructure and investment
Uyo LGA is emerging fast in the South-South as an oil-backed economy.
10. Ilorin South LGA, Kwara State
- Estimated IGR: ₦25 billion+
- Major Strengths: Government, commerce, education
- Economic Highlights:
- Home to major state institutions
- High commercial and educational activity
Ilorin South rounds off the list with balanced development across sectors.
Summary Table: Richest Local Governments in Nigeria (2025)
Rank |
LGA |
State |
Est. IGR (₦) |
Key Economic Drivers |
1 |
Lagos Island |
Lagos |
₦65 billion+ |
Banking, commerce, tourism |
2 |
Ikeja |
Lagos |
₦55 billion+ |
Aviation, tech, government |
3 |
Obio-Akpor |
Rivers |
₦50 billion+ |
Oil & gas, industry |
4 |
Eti-Osa |
Lagos |
₦48 billion+ |
Real estate, finance |
5 |
AMAC (Abuja) |
FCT |
₦45 billion+ |
Government, diplomacy, real estate |
6 |
Alimosho |
Lagos |
₦35 billion+ |
Population-driven commerce |
7 |
Ibadan North |
Oyo |
₦30 billion+ |
Education, public service |
8 |
Enugu North |
Enugu |
₦28 billion+ |
Government, mining |
9 |
Uyo |
Akwa Ibom |
₦27 billion+ |
Oil-backed infrastructure |
10 |
Ilorin South |
Kwara |
₦25 billion+ |
Commerce, education, government |
FAQs
Which is the richest LGA in Nigeria in 2025?
Lagos Island LGA tops the list with an estimated IGR of over ₦65 billion, thanks to its central role in finance and commerce.
What makes an LGA rich in Nigeria?
Key factors include population density, economic activity, presence of corporate HQs, government institutions, and natural resources.
Are LGAs allowed to generate revenue independently?
Yes. Local governments generate Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through markets, taxes, levies, and services, alongside federal allocations.
Conclusion
While Nigeria is rich in human and natural resources, certain LGAs stand out for their economic power and contributions to national revenue. These top 10 LGAs are not just the richest—they are also engines of commerce, government, and development in 2025.