Ukpono Anietie, PH
Nigeria is a country with 36 states, 774 local government areas, and each of them is endowed with resources that further contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.
Our emphasis, will be on the local government. Some local government areas have been able to generate more revenue to stay rich.
Below are the top five richest LGAs in Nigeria;
1. Lagos Island LG, Lagos State
Lagos Island, also known Isale Eko, is one of the Local Government Area in Lagos State.
It lies on Lagos Lagoon, a large protected harbour on the shore of Africa. The island is home to the Yoruba fishing of Eko, which is now the modern city of Lagos.
History has it that, the island was more like a settling quarters to slave returnees from Brazil.
From the mainland, you can access the island by three bridges – the carter bridge, Eko bridge, and the third mainland bridge.
According to the 2006 population census conducted, it has over an estimated population of 200,000.
The Lagos Island has a lot of landmarks, as well as tourist attractions. Some of the tourist attractions include; Tom Jones Memorial Hall & Library, and the Freedom Park.
It is home to most of the bank headquarters that operate in Nigeria, like the First Bank of Nigeria and United Bank for Africa (UBA). Also, some medium & large-scale businesses operate on the Island.
Nigerian Ports Authority, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd., are all situated on Marina, Lagos Island.
2. Ikeja LG, Lagos State
Ikeja is the capital of Lagos State, Nigeria. It was named capital in 1976. Ikeja was originally settled by the Owori people.
The place became a residential and industrial area as a result of the opening of Lagos-Ibadan railway in 1901 and the growth of the port in Lagos.
Ikeja has an estimated population of over 300,000.
Ikeja is home to a lot of things. One of which is the computer village, where vendors sell phone, computer accessories, and also fix different gadgets.
Ikeja is a commercial city where a lot of businesses (public and private) thrive, and it provides revenue for the state and for the country.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Accident Investigation Bureau of the Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), are all federal government agencies located in Ikeja.
The Murtala Mohammed International Airport is also situate in Ikeja.
Several airlines have their head offices located in Ikeja. They include: Arik Air, Aero Contractors, Overland Airways, Air Peace, Associated Aviation, Dana Air, Virgin Atlantic, and others.
Ipodo Market is a popular market in Ikeja. This market contains many shops and stores where marketers produce and sell varieties of products.
Ikeja is also known for:
Fela Shrine & Lagbaja motherland (these are homes for live music)
Ikeja City Mall
3. Obio Akpor LG, Rivers State
Obio Akpor is the one of the local and the richest government in Rivers State.
According to the 2006 census population conducted, it has an estimated population of over 400,000.
When it comes to higher institutions of learning, Obio Akpor has some of the finest in Nigeria. They include:
Eastern Polytechnic, Rumuokwurusi
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni
Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology, Rumueme
University of Port Harcourt, Choba
Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt
Rivers State University, Mile 3, Port Harcourt
Obio Akpor serves as the economic and commercial hub of the city, Port Harcourt. It’s notable for its operation in oil and gas, medium and small-scale businesses, banking services, insurance, marketing companies, and so on.
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Trans Amadi has over 100 oil and gas company in the state. Some of the oil and gas companies are; Shell Petroleum Development Company, Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Schlumberger, Haliburton, Chevron Texaco Nigeria Limited, and others.
These companies account for half of the revenue generated in Rivers State.
- Ibeju-Lekki LG, Lagos State
The Local Government is made up of two autonomous communities – Ibeju and Lekki. It has an estimated population of oved 100,000.
Ibeju-Lekki is blessed with nice ocean and lagoon view. It is said to be the face of tourism in the future.
It is fast turning into a major and mega city. With the actualization of the blueprint, Ibeju-Lekki is expected to become a central hub for business, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
Among the blueprint, is the Lekki International Airport project which is expected to come onboard soon.
The Murtala Mohammed International Airport has been in existence for a long time, so, there is need to lessen the its burden and pressure.
The master plan of the new airport shows that it’s designed to cater to wide-body, double-deck, and four-engine aircraft with up to 500 sitting capacity.
Also, the Dangote Refinery is located at Ibeju-Lekki is under construction. When completed, it is expected to double Nigeria’s refining capacity, as well as export to other countries of the world.
Another investment are the Pan-Atlantic University and the Lekki Deep Seaport Lekki International Golf Course, Eleganza industries, Lekki Free Trade Zone.
5. Abuja Municipal LG, FCT Abuja
The Local Government is one of the most powerful local government in the country. It houses senators, members of house of representatives, and other prominent politicians.
The Local Government is home to several markets, like Kurudu, Nyanya and other markets, where varieties of commodities are bought and sold.
Other economic activities of the Local Government include; banking services, privately owned establishment like restaurants, 5 star hotels like Sheraton, Nicon Hilton, and a whole lot more.
Also, the headquarter of Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), and the regional headquarter of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is situate in the Local Government.
Lastly, government owned institutions which all contribute massively to the economy of the LGA.
