Are you searching for the list of local government areas in Bayelsa State and their location? You’re not alone. Whether you're a student, researcher, government worker, real estate investor, or job seeker, understanding the structure of LGAs in Bayelsa is essential.
In this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll explore all Bayelsa State LGAs, their geographical locations, nearby towns, and interesting facts about each area. This article is written in simple grammar to help you understand everything about Bayelsa local government areas and their positions within the state.
Overview: How Many Local Government Areas Are in Bayelsa State?
Bayelsa State, located in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, is one of the smallest states in Nigeria in terms of land mass. Yet, it holds strategic importance due to its oil-rich territory, riverine environment, and Niger Delta politics.
Total LGAs: 8 Local Government Areas
Capital City: Yenagoa
State Created: October 1, 1996
Boundaries: Delta State (north), Rivers State (east), Atlantic Ocean (south)
1. Brass Local Government Area
Location:
Brass LGA is located in the eastern coastal part of Bayelsa State. It lies along the Atlantic coastline and shares a maritime boundary with Rivers State.
Key Towns and Villages:
Brass (main town)
Twon-Brass
Okpoama
Sangana
Ewoama
What Makes Brass Unique:
Brass is a historic Ijaw town and home to Nigeria’s oldest seaport. The LGA is known for fishing, coastal trading, and oil installations. It also hosts the Brass LNG project.
Economic Activities:
Fishing
Marine transport
Oil and gas operations
2. Ekeremor Local Government Area
Location:
Ekeremor is situated in the northwestern part of Bayelsa State. It shares borders with Delta State and the Atlantic Ocean.
Major Towns and Communities:
Ekeremor town (headquarters)
Aleibiri
Oporoma
Ojobo
Agge (near the ocean)
Special Facts About Ekeremor:
Ekeremor is one of the largest LGAs in Bayelsa by landmass. It has many riverine communities and is a hub for artisanal fishing and palm oil production. The area faces challenges in road access but is rich in cultural heritage.
Economic Focus:
Fishing
Farming
Palm oil production
Timber and canoe building
3. Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area
Location:
Kolokuma/Opokuma is a central LGA in Bayelsa. It is located close to Yenagoa and bordered by Sagbama and Southern Ijaw LGAs.
Main Towns and Villages:
Kaiama (headquarters)
Opokuma
Odi
Sabagreia
Sampou
Key Highlights:
Kaiama, the LGA headquarters, is famously known for the 1998 Kaiama Declaration. The area is historically significant in Ijaw nationalism and has several fertile farmlands.
Livelihood Activities:
Rice and cassava farming
Local canoe trade
Cultural festivals and river worship
4. Nembe Local Government Area
Location:
Nembe LGA is situated in the southeastern part of Bayelsa. It borders Brass to the south and has access to river and sea routes.
Key Towns:
Nembe City
Ogbolomabiri
Bassambiri
Okoroma
Oluasiri
What Makes Nembe Notable:
Nembe is an ancient city with deep historical significance in the Niger Delta. It is known for its kingship structure, oil fields, and riverine lifestyle. Despite being remote, it remains politically and economically strategic.
Economic Life:
Fishing
Oil and gas facilities
Traditional boat transport
Local crafts and canoe carving
5. Ogbia Local Government Area
Location:
Ogbia is located in the northeastern region of Bayelsa State. It shares boundaries with Rivers and Delta States.
Major Communities:
Ogbia town (headquarters)
Otuoke
Emeyal
Kolo
Oloibiri
Special Facts:
Ogbia is the hometown of Nigeria’s former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The area also hosted Nigeria’s first oil well in Oloibiri. Ogbia plays a central role in Bayelsa’s history.
Primary Economic Activities:
Fishing and farming
Crude oil exploration
Local markets
Education and political influence
6. Sagbama Local Government Area
Location:
Sagbama lies in the northwestern part of Bayelsa, bordering Delta State. It is one of the few LGAs with inland and upland areas.
Towns and Villages:
Sagbama town (LGA HQ)
Ofoni
Agbere
Toru-Orua
Tungbo
Highlights of Sagbama:
Sagbama is home to Bayelsa State University (BSU) located in Amassoma. It is a political and educational hub, and the area produces yam, plantain, and fish in large quantity.
Economic Summary:
Agriculture (cassava, plantain)
Education sector
Inland fishing
Timber and palm products
7. Southern Ijaw Local Government Area
Location:
Southern Ijaw is the largest LGA in Bayelsa by land area. It occupies the southern-central coast of the state and borders Brass, Nembe, and Ekeremor.
Key Towns and Communities:
Oporoma (HQ)
Ukubie
Olugbobiri
Amassoma
Ogboinbiri
Interesting Facts:
Despite being rich in oil and gas, Southern Ijaw is largely undeveloped due to its swampy terrain. The LGA houses several flow stations and is the traditional home of many Ijaw subgroups.
Economic Life:
Crude oil production
Traditional fishing
Canoe and woodworks
Boat transportation
8. Yenagoa Local Government Area
Location:
Yenagoa is in the central part of Bayelsa and serves as the capital city of the state. It is bordered by Kolokuma/Opokuma and Southern Ijaw.
Key Towns and Suburbs:
Yenagoa town (main city)
Azikoro
Okaka
Ekeki
Biogbolo
Tombia
Unique Facts About Yenagoa:
As the state capital, Yenagoa is the most urbanized and developed LGA in Bayelsa. It hosts the Government House, Bayelsa State Secretariat, and major shopping areas. It’s also home to multiple churches, banks, and educational institutions.
Economic Features:
Civil service hub
Real estate and housing
Retail business
Transportation and logistics
Summary Table: Local Government Areas in Bayelsa and Their Locations
| LGA Name | Location in Bayelsa | Notable Towns | Main Economic Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass | Eastern coastal region | Twon-Brass, Okpoama | Oil, fishing, seaport |
| Ekeremor | Northwest coast | Aleibiri, Agge | Palm oil, fishing, farming |
| Kolokuma/Opokuma | Central Bayelsa | Kaiama, Odi | Farming, cultural heritage |
| Nembe | Southeastern coast | Nembe City, Ogbolomabiri | Oil, fishing, kingship |
| Ogbia | Northeast Bayelsa | Otuoke, Oloibiri | Oil history, fishing |
| Sagbama | Northwestern inland | Sagbama, Toru-Orua | Education, plantain farming |
| Southern Ijaw | South-central coast | Oporoma, Amassoma | Oil, canoe building, fishing |
| Yenagoa | Central (Capital LGA) | Okaka, Azikoro | Civil service, retail, logistics |
Final Thoughts: List of Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State and Their Location (2025)
The list of local government areas in Bayelsa State and their location gives insight into how this oil-rich Niger Delta state is organized. Each LGA plays a unique role in the development, culture, and economy of Bayelsa.
From oil-rich towns like Nembe and Brass to historical towns like Kaiama and Ogbia, the state’s 8 LGAs contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy. If you’re planning to visit, invest, study, or relocate to Bayelsa in 2025, this guide provides a useful foundation for understanding the geography and strengths of each LGA.