by 
Benue State, fondly referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is one of the 36 states in Nigeria, known for its vast farmlands, rich cultural heritage, and diverse population. With 23 local government areas (LGAs) spread across its territory, each LGA plays a unique role in the socio-economic development of the state.
But have you ever wondered which is the biggest local government in Benue State? Whether you’re a student, researcher, investor, or simply curious, knowing the largest LGAs can offer valuable insight into the state’s geography, population distribution, and economic potential.
In this article, we’ll reveal the biggest local government in Benue State. So if this is what you are looking for, grab a seat, relax, and continue reading!
Overview of Local Governments in Benue State
Benue State is divided into 23 Local Government Areas, each established to bring governance closer to the people. These LGAs vary widely in landmass, population, and development level. While some are densely populated urban centers, others are vast rural territories stretching across hundreds of square kilometers.
In understanding the biggest local government in Benue State, it’s important to note that “biggest” here refers strictly to physical size or landmass — not population or economic status.
Several LGAs in Benue span large land areas, often encompassing multiple communities, farmland, and administrative centers. These large territories are not only agriculturally rich but also serve as key administrative zones within the state.
Also Check: Real Estate Investment in Nigeria: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Wealth
Top 5 Biggest Local Governments in Benue State by Landmass
1 Kwande LGA – The Biggest Local Government in Benue State
Kwande LGA stands out as the biggest local government in Benue State by landmass, covering approximately 2,891 square kilometers. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Kwande shares a border with Cameroon, making it both a vast and strategically positioned area.
Its administrative headquarters is in Adikpo, a major commercial and transport hub. The LGA is made up of several districts and villages, including Turan, Kyurav, Nanev, Shangev-ya, and others.
Kwande’s large land area supports a thriving agricultural economy, especially in yam, rice, sweet potato, groundnut, and cassava production. The terrain is a mix of highlands, savannah, and forested areas, making it suitable for both farming and tourism.
Aside from size, Kwande is also notable for its cultural influence within the Tiv ethnic group and has produced several influential political and academic figures.
2 Guma LGA
Coming in closely behind is Guma LGA, with a landmass of approximately 2,882 square kilometers. Located in the north-central part of Benue State, Guma is an agriculturally rich area and has played a significant role in the state’s political history.
The headquarters is Gbajimba, and the LGA consists of districts like Uvir, Mbaawa, and Abinsi. It is also the home LGA of former Governor Samuel Ortom, adding to its political importance.
Despite not being the biggest local government in Benue State, Guma’s massive land size makes it a top player in farming, particularly in crops like maize, yam, millet, and rice.
Guma also lies along the River Benue, giving it fertile soil and vast irrigation potential.
Also Check: What Makes Amapha Different from Other Property Listing Sites
3 Gboko LGA
Gboko LGA spans an estimated 2,264 square kilometers, making it one of the largest and most developed LGAs in Benue State. While it doesn’t hold the title of the biggest local government in Benue State, its combination of land size, population, and infrastructure makes it a powerful administrative unit.
Its headquarters, Gboko town, is the traditional seat of the Tiv people and home to the Tor Tiv’s palace, which gives the area immense cultural relevance.
Gboko’s landmass supports a mix of urban and rural communities, with a strong presence of schools, markets, health facilities, and small industries. It’s also known for its cement production (through Dangote Cement) and a growing real estate sector.
4 Ukum LGA
With a land area of around 1,514 square kilometers, Ukum LGA ranks as the fourth largest LGA in Benue State. It lies in the northeastern axis of the state, with Zaki Biam as its headquarters — a town famously known as the yam capital of Africa and the world at large.
Ukum’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, especially yam, soybean, and sesame production. Although smaller in size compared to Kwande or Guma, Ukum plays a key role in food supply across Nigeria due to its farming strength.
Its large landmass accommodates scattered rural settlements and farmlands, contributing to its agricultural dominance.
Also Check: Safe Locations to Build a Home Away From Flood Zones in Nigeria
5 Logo LGA
Completing our list is Logo LGA, with a landmass of about 1,408 square kilometers. Although not the biggest local government in Benue State, it stands among the top five in terms of physical size.
The LGA is headquartered in Ugba, and its boundaries stretch through several rural communities. Like most LGAs in Benue, Logo thrives on subsistence and commercial farming, with rice, yam, groundnut, and cassava as major crops.
Logo also has a rich cultural heritage and plays an important role in local governance and grassroots political engagement within the state.
Comparison Table: The Biggest Local Government in Benue State by Landmass
| Rank | Local Government Area | Headquarters | Approx. Landmass (km²) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Kwande | Adikpo | ~2,891 | Largest LGA by size; borders Cameroon; agriculturally rich |
| 2️⃣ | Guma | Gbajimba | ~2,882 | Political relevance; River Benue access; fertile lands |
| 3️⃣ | Gboko | Gboko | ~2,264 | Tiv cultural capital; semi-urban; Dangote cement plant |
| 4️⃣ | Ukum | Zaki Biam | ~1,514 | The world’s yam hub; major agricultural producer |
| 5️⃣ | Logo | Ugba | ~1,408 | Farming communities; political and cultural relevance |
Also Check: Top 5 Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets in Nigeria Right Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the smallest local government in Benue State?
The smallest local government in Benue State by landmass is Tarka LGA, covering an estimated 372 square kilometers. Located in the central part of the state, Tarka is one of the least expansive LGAs in Benue. Despite its small size, it holds historical importance, being named after the late Senator Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political history.
2. What is the most developed town in Benue State?
The most developed town in Benue State is Makurdi, the state capital. It serves as the administrative, commercial, and transportation hub of the state. Makurdi is home to major institutions like Benue State University, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi (FUAM), government offices, and a growing number of real estate and infrastructure developments.
3. What is the largest tribe in Benue?
The Tiv ethnic group is the largest tribe in Benue State, making up over 70% of the state’s population. Tiv people are predominantly found in LGAs such as Gboko, Guma, Logo, Kwande, and Makurdi, among others. Known for their strong cultural identity and dominance in agriculture and politics, the Tiv are one of Nigeria’s most influential ethnic groups.
4. What is the richest local government in Benue State?
The richest local government in Benue State is Makurdi LGA. As the state capital, it hosts key government institutions, commercial centers, banks, hotels, markets, educational institutions, and an airport. The concentration of economic activities and infrastructure gives Makurdi a strong edge in revenue generation and development.
You can check this article for more information about the richest local government in Benue State!
The Biggest Local Government in Benue State: Final Thoughts
When it comes to physical size, Kwande LGA clearly stands out as the biggest local government in Benue State, with a landmass that places it ahead of others like Guma, Gboko, Ukum, and Logo. Understanding the size of these local governments offers valuable insights into Benue’s geography, resource distribution, and agricultural capacity.
While size is just one metric, these large LGAs play a vital role in the state’s economic and cultural identity, especially in agriculture, governance, and local development.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, investor, or curious resident, knowing the top 5 largest local governments in Benue State helps you appreciate how the state is structured and which areas carry significant territorial influence.
Join The Discussion