Local Government in Benue State: The 2026 Strategic Directory
Benue State, the "Food Basket of the Nation," is organized into 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs). These are the administrative engines driving the state's 2026 shift from purely agrarian to "Smart Agrarian" hubs.
The 2026 fiscal year marks a turning point for Benue LGAs, as the state government has recently decentralized the ₦695 Billion budget to prioritize underpasses in Makurdi and rural connectivity in the Benue South and East zones.
Full List of the 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs)
Benue’s LGAs are structured into three geopolitical zones: Zone A (East), Zone B (North-West), and Zone C (South).
| S/N | Local Government Area | Headquarters | Senatorial District |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ado | Igumale | Zone C (South) |
| 2 | Agatu | Obagaji | Zone C (South) |
| 3 | Apa | Ugbokpo | Zone C (South) |
| 4 | Buruku | Buruku | Zone B (North-West) |
| 5 | Gboko | Gboko | Zone B (North-West) |
| 6 | Guma | Gbajimba | Zone B (North-West) |
| 7 | Gwer East | Aliade | Zone B (North-West) |
| 8 | Gwer West | Naka | Zone B (North-West) |
| 9 | Katsina-Ala | Katsina-Ala | Zone A (North-East) |
| 10 | Konshisha | Tse-Agberagba | Zone A (North-East) |
| 11 | Kwande | Adikpo | Zone A (North-East) |
| 12 | Logo | Ugba | Zone A (North-East) |
| 13 | Makurdi | Makurdi | Zone B (North-West) |
| 14 | Obi | Obarike-Ito | Zone C (South) |
| 15 | Ogbadibo | Otukpa | Zone C (South) |
| 16 | Ohimini | Idekpa | Zone C (South) |
| 17 | Oju | Oju | Zone C (South) |
| 18 | Okpokwu | Okpoga | Zone C (South) |
| 19 | Otukpo | Otukpo | Zone C (South) |
| 20 | Tarka | Wannune | Zone B (North-West) |
| 21 | Ukum | Sankera | Zone A (North-East) |
| 22 | Ushongo | Lessel | Zone A (North-East) |
| 23 | Vandeikya | Vandeikya | Zone A (North-East) |
*Official 2026 directory for Benue State. Benue remains the "Food Basket of the Nation" with 23 LGAs driving rural development and agricultural innovation.
2026 Transformation Projects in Benue LGAs
Specific local governments have been earmarked as "legacy project" hosts in the current 2026 administration:
Makurdi LGA (State Capital): The focus of urban renewal. By March 2026, the High-Level Underpass has significantly reduced traffic, making it a prime location for the newly launched "Benue Smart City" housing projects.
Gboko LGA: As the traditional headquarters of the Tiv people, Gboko is seeing a massive upgrade in its industrial capacity, particularly in the cement and agro-processing sectors.
Otukpo LGA: The heart of Zone C, Otukpo is benefiting from the Zone C Regional Water Scheme, aimed at providing potable water to five surrounding LGAs.
Kwande & Ukum LGAs: These are the primary sites for the 2026 Agricultural Value Chain initiative, with new warehouses and cold-chain storage facilities being built to reduce post-harvest waste for yam and fruit farmers.
Benue Local Government FAQ
Who is the Governor of Benue State in 2026? Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (APC). He assumed office in May 2023 and is currently overseeing the 2026 budget of ₦695 billion.
Which LGA is the largest in Benue? Guma and Kwande are among the largest LGAs by landmass, while Makurdi remains the most densely populated.
What is the "Food Basket" initiative in 2026? It is a state-led program that provides mechanized tractors and subsidized fertilizers to all 23 LGAs to maintain Benue’s status as Nigeria’s top food producer.
