Nigeria has a total of 774 local government areas (LGAs), which represent the third tier of government below the federal and state levels
. These LGAs are administered by local government councils, each led by an elected chairman and supported by councillors who form the legislative arm of the local government
. Additionally, there are six area councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are considered part of the local government structure, bringing the total number of local government authorities to 774
. Each local government area is further subdivided into wards, typically ranging from ten to twenty, each managed by a councillor reporting to the LGA chairman
. The LGAs are responsible for various local administrative functions including tax collection, maintenance of markets and roads, public health, education, and town planning
. In summary:
- Total Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria: 774
- Additional Area Councils in FCT: 6
- Each LGA has an elected chairman and councillors
- LGAs serve as the third tier of government under state and federal levels
This structure is constitutionally guaranteed and forms a critical part of Nigeria’s federal governance system
