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Are you curious about the richest local government in Benue State? Benue, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is not only famous for its agricultural productivity but also for its economically vibrant local government areas (LGAs). Some LGAs have grown rapidly in terms of infrastructure, population, commercial activity, and internally generated revenue (IGR), making them stand out as the wealthiest and most developed in the state.
In this guide, we highlight the top 10 richest local governments in Benue State, ranked based on economic performance, strategic importance, industrial activities, and overall development.
Whether you’re a business-minded individual, investor, student, or simply researching about Benue, this article provides insight into the most financially significant LGAs and what makes them the economic powerhouses of the state.
Let’s dive!
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Top 10 Richest Local Government in Benue State
1. Makurdi Local Government
Makurdi is widely recognized as the richest local government in Benue State, and for good reason. As the state capital, Makurdi is the administrative and political hub of Benue. It hosts numerous government ministries, educational institutions like Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (JOSTUM), Benue State University, and federal agencies — all of which contribute significantly to its internally generated revenue (IGR).
The presence of major markets, banks, hotels, real estate developments, and a growing transportation sector has positioned Makurdi as not just the most developed, but also the most economically influential LGA in Benue State. Its urbanization and access to the River Benue further enhance its commercial importance.
2. Gboko Local Government
Next on the list of the richest local governments in Benue State is Gboko. Known as the traditional and cultural headquarters of the Tiv people, Gboko is a bustling town with a strong commercial base. One of its major economic drivers is the Dangote Cement Plant, one of the largest employers and tax contributors in the state.
Aside from its industrial assets, Gboko also thrives in agriculture, trade, and transportation. The town’s central location makes it a busy transit point, and its large population sustains various markets, hotels, and small-scale enterprises. All these factors contribute to Gboko’s growing wealth and influence.
3. Ukum Local Government
Ukum Local Government may not be as urbanized as Makurdi or Gboko, but it stands out as one of Benue State’s richest LGAs due to its powerful agricultural economy. The area is known for its large-scale production of crops like yam, rice, cassava, and maize, which are traded in major markets such as the popular Zaki Biam Yam Market — the largest yam markets in West Africa.
Ukum’s thriving trade and agricultural exports bring in substantial income, both for local farmers and the local government. Its strategic position as an agricultural hub gives it a strong economic profile within Benue State.
4. Otukpo Local Government
Otukpo is another strong contender among the richest local governments in Benue State, especially in the southern region of the state. It is considered the political and cultural headquarters of the Idoma people, and its influence extends far beyond just tradition.
Otukpo boasts a growing commercial sector, with well-established markets, banks, fuel stations, and hospitality businesses. Its central location within Idoma land makes it a key trading hub, attracting buyers and sellers from surrounding towns and states. The town also benefits from educational and religious institutions, which contribute to population growth and local spending. The combination of commerce, governance, and a strong transport network makes Otukpo a vital part of Benue’s economic engine.
5. Katsina-Ala Local Government
Katsina-Ala ranks among the top 10 richest LGAs in Benue State due to its historical significance and strong agricultural presence. Situated along the Katsina-Ala River, the LGA was once an important river port and still retains its status as a major center for agricultural trade and transport.
The area is fertile and supports the cultivation of cash and food crops, including yam, groundnuts, and rice. Its strategic road connections to places like Taraba and Cross River States enhance its trading capacity. Katsina-Ala’s bustling local markets, transport sector, and agricultural activities all contribute to its wealth and growing development.
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6. Kwande Local Government
Kwande LGA is one of the economically significant local governments in Benue State, especially due to its location and natural resources. Bordering Cameroon and Taraba State, Kwande serves as a gateway for cross-border trade and commerce, which boosts its revenue base.
The region is blessed with fertile land, making it a stronghold for farming, especially crops like rice, yam, and citrus fruits. Additionally, Kwande is rich in forest resources and has untapped potential in tourism, with beautiful hills and rivers that attract attention. These natural and commercial advantages contribute to Kwande’s rising status as one of the richest local government areas in Benue State.
7. Vandeikya Local Government
Vandeikya is a prominent agricultural hub and easily ranks among the richest local governments in Benue State due to its immense contribution to food production. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Vandeikya is renowned for its large-scale farming of yam, oranges, cassava, and groundnuts, with local produce distributed to markets across Nigeria.
The area also enjoys a favorable climate and fertile soil, supporting both commercial and subsistence agriculture. With an active farming population, expanding rural markets, and growing interest in agro-processing, Vandeikya continues to generate impressive revenue for the state, making it a key economic player.
8. Buruku Local Government
Buruku is another agriculturally driven LGA with a firm place among Benue’s top 10 richest local governments. It lies along the banks of the River Katsina-Ala, which provides water for irrigation, fishing, and farming activities. This access to natural resources supports the cultivation of crops like soybeans, rice, sesame, and yams in large quantities.
Apart from agriculture, Buruku has a growing market scene and local transportation network that supports trade. The LGA’s natural endowment, coupled with its expanding commercial base, makes it a strong contributor to Benue’s internally generated revenue.
9. Guma Local Government
Guma Local Government, though largely rural, holds a strategic position both economically and politically. It is the home LGA of former Governor Samuel Ortom, which has attracted some infrastructural development and state-level attention in recent years.
Its economic strength lies in agriculture, especially in rice and yam farming, as well as small-scale palm oil production. Guma’s location near Makurdi gives it a commercial edge, with several rural-urban linkages supporting its economic growth. As a result, Guma is now considered one of the richest local governments in Benue State, thanks to its steady rise in market activities and farming output.
10. Logo Local Government
Rounding out the list of the richest LGAs in Benue State is Logo, an agriculturally rich and resourceful area located in the northern part of the state. Though often rural in appearance, Logo is a leading producer of yams, millet, guinea corn, and sesame seeds, contributing significantly to Benue’s food supply and economic output.
The area also benefits from cross-border trade with neighboring LGAs and states. With ongoing efforts to improve road access and rural electrification, Logo is gradually transforming into a commercial hotspot in its own right — earning its place among Benue’s wealthiest local government areas.
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The Richest Local Government in Benue State: Final Thought
Benue State is rich in cultural heritage, natural resources, and agricultural potential. However, when it comes to financial strength and economic development, some local government areas clearly lead the pack. From Makurdi’s urban and administrative dominance to Gboko’s industrial growth, and from Ukum’s agricultural trade to Otukpo’s commercial influence, each of these LGAs contributes uniquely to the state’s economy.
This list of the richest local governments in Benue State highlights the areas making the most economic impact, whether through agriculture, commerce, governance, or industry. Understanding the strengths of these LGAs can be valuable for investors, researchers, policy makers, and residents looking to tap into Benue’s development potential.
As the state continues to grow, these top-performing LGAs are expected to remain at the forefront of progress, shaping the future of Benue State’s economic landscape.
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