Top 20 Richest Local Government in Nigeria Revealed (2025 Guide)

Nigeria is blessed with many prosperous local governments, each contributing significantly to the country’s economy. If you have ever wondered which local governments are the richest in Nigeria, this detailed guide will explain everything you need to know.

We reveal the top 20 richest local governments in Nigeria (2025), their sources of wealth, economic activities, and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re researching for business, investment, relocation, or just curiosity, this guide is for you.

Why Know the Richest Local Governments in Nigeria?

Understanding the wealthiest local governments in Nigeria helps you make informed decisions about:

• Where to start a business with higher purchasing power.

• Areas with better infrastructure and opportunities.

• The economic disparities and potential growth areas.

• Real estate and investment planning.

We also explain the criteria that determine a local government’s wealth — including internal generated revenue (IGR), business presence, industrial activities, population size, and strategic location.

How We Ranked the Richest Local Governments in Nigeria

This ranking is based on available economic data, business presence, tax revenues, and strategic significance of the LGAs. The main factors considered include:

• Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

• Volume of commercial activities.

• Industrial and manufacturing contributions.

• Real estate value and development.

• Presence of multinational corporations and markets.

Top 20 Richest Local Governments in Nigeria Revealed (2025)

Below is the complete list of the top 20 richest local governments in Nigeria as of 2025:

1. Lagos Island (Lagos State)

• Why it’s rich: Home to Nigeria’s financial hub, headquarters of major banks, multinationals, and high-end real estate.

• Main activities: Banking, trade, luxury services, tourism.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦45 billion.

2. Ikeja (Lagos State)

• Why it’s rich: State capital of Lagos, with shopping malls, industries, and government institutions.

• Main activities: Aviation, commerce, real estate.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦40 billion.

3. Eti-Osa (Lagos State)

• Why it’s rich: Houses the famous Lekki, Victoria Island, and Banana Island — premium real estate and business hubs.

• Main activities: Luxury real estate, finance, oil services.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦38 billion.

4. Apapa (Lagos State)

• Why it’s rich: Nigeria’s busiest seaport and logistics hub.

• Main activities: Shipping, warehousing, logistics.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦35 billion.

5. Obio-Akpor (Rivers State)

• Why it’s rich: Commercial hub of Port Harcourt, oil and gas activities dominate here.

• Main activities: Oil services, construction, hospitality.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦33 billion.

6. Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) (FCT)

• Why it’s rich: Political and administrative capital, embassies, luxury estates.

• Main activities: Government, real estate, diplomacy.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦30 billion.

7. Alimosho (Lagos State)

• Why it’s rich: One of the most populous LGAs, with large markets and thriving commerce.

• Main activities: Retail, transport, housing.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦28 billion.

8. Port Harcourt City (Rivers State)

• Why it’s rich: Oil capital of Nigeria, headquarters to many oil companies.

• Main activities: Oil and gas, shipping, construction.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦27 billion.

9. Onitsha North (Anambra State)

• Why it’s rich: Home to Onitsha Main Market — one of West Africa’s largest markets.

• Main activities: Wholesale and retail trade.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦25 billion.

10. Uyo (Akwa Ibom State)

• Why it’s rich: State capital, known for oil-related activities and growing real estate.

• Main activities: Oil and gas, construction, tourism.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦24 billion.

11. Enugu North (Enugu State)

• Why it’s rich: Political and commercial center of Enugu.

• Main activities: Administration, commerce, real estate.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦23 billion.

12. Oredo (Edo State)

• Why it’s rich: Commercial heartbeat of Benin City.

• Main activities: Retail, crafts, administration.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦22 billion.

13. Jos North (Plateau State)

• Why it’s rich: Trading and administrative hub of Plateau, known for tin mining.

• Main activities: Agriculture, mining, retail.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦20 billion.

14. Aba South (Abia State)

• Why it’s rich: Famous for Aba markets and manufacturing.

• Main activities: Textiles, leather goods, manufacturing.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦19 billion.

15. Kano Municipal (Kano State)

• Why it’s rich: Commercial capital of northern Nigeria.

• Main activities: Textiles, grains, crafts, retail.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦18 billion.

16. Warri South (Delta State)

• Why it’s rich: Oil city and key industrial hub in Delta.

• Main activities: Oil servicing, shipping, construction.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦17 billion.

17. Ilorin West (Kwara State)

• Why it’s rich: Commercial and political heart of Kwara.

• Main activities: Agriculture, retail, crafts.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦16 billion.

18. Yola North (Adamawa State)

• Why it’s rich: Business and administrative center of Adamawa.

• Main activities: Agriculture, trade, education.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦15 billion.

19. Garki (FCT)

• Why it’s rich: Government offices, luxury businesses, hotels.

• Main activities: Real estate, administration, services.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦14 billion.

20. Maiduguri Metropolitan (Borno State)

• Why it’s rich: Economic and administrative center of the northeast.

• Main activities: Trade, agriculture, crafts.

• Estimated annual IGR: ₦13 billion.

Summary Table: Top 20 Richest Local Governments in Nigeria (2025)

Factors That Make These LGAs Wealthy

• Strategic location near ports, borders, or capital cities.

• High population density translating to large markets.

• Presence of industries and multinational corporations.

• Political significance and government presence.

FAQs about Richest Local Governments in Nigeria

1. Which is the richest local government in Nigeria?
Lagos Island Local Government is widely regarded as the richest, thanks to its financial district and luxury real estate.

2. Which northern LGA is the richest?
Kano Municipal and Jos North are among the richest in northern Nigeria.

3. Are all the richest LGAs in Lagos State?
Not all, but Lagos dominates with several LGAs in the top 10.

4. Can I start a business in these areas?
Yes, they offer better infrastructure, higher purchasing power, and better opportunities.

Final Thoughts on Top 20 Richest Local Governments in Nigeria

These local governments play a huge role in Nigeria’s economy, showing how much location, population, and industry contribute to wealth. If you’re planning to invest, work, or move, these LGAs should be at the top of your consideration list.

Knowing the top 20 richest local governments in Nigeria gives you an edge when making business and lifestyle choices. Choose wisely, and leverage the opportunities in these thriving areas.