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Benue

“Food Basket of the Nation”

Capital Makurdi
Zone North Central
LGAs 23
Population 5,740,000
2026 Budget ₦695.0B

About Benue

Benue State, located in the North-Central region of Nigeria, is popularly known as the "Food Basket of the Nation" due to its rich agricultural resources and fertile land. The state plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s food production and supply chain.
Historical Background
The land that is today Benue State has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of iron-smelting and settled agricultural communities dating back to the first millennium AD. The territory sits in the great river confluence zone where the Benue River —… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Benue

Official nameBenue
Capital city Makurdi
Slogan / MottoFood Basket of the Nation
Geo-political zone North Central
Local govt areas 23 LGAs →
Population (census) 5,740,000
Population density 169 / km²
Total area 34,059 km²
First governor General George Inusa Domkat
2026 budget ₦695.0B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Benue

The capital city of Benue State is Makurdi. It is the seat of the Benue State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Benue State has 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Benue State has a population of 5,740,000. The state capital Makurdi is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 169 persons per km².
Benue State is in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Benue State was created in 1976. The first governor was General George Inusa Domkat. Learn more on the Benue State History page.
The Benue State budget for 2026 is ₦695.0B. See the full breakdown on the Benue State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Benue State covers a total land area of 34,059 km². With a population density of 169 people per km².

Government Structure

Benue State is governed by an Executive Governor and a House of Assembly. The state also has a strong traditional leadership system, with the Tor Tiv serving as the paramount ruler of the Tiv people.

Economy of Benue

The economy of Benue State is largely driven by agriculture, with major crops including yam, cassava, rice, maize, and soybeans. The state also has growing sectors in agro-processing, trade, and small-scale manufacturing.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 6 million people. The major ethnic groups include Tiv, Idoma, and Igede, each with distinct languages and cultural practices.
5,740,000
Population
34,059
Area km²
169
Per km²
23
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Benue

Benue State is rich in cultural heritage, with vibrant festivals such as the Kwagh-hir theatre performances and traditional dances. Tourist attractions include the River Benue, Makurdi Zoo, and scenic farmlands that highlight the state’s natural beauty.

Local Government Areas in Benue

23 LGAs

Ado
HQ: Otukpo
137,051
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam and rice farming. The Idoma people are known for cultural festivals and crafts.

Agatu
HQ: Obagaji
95,260
Population

Riverine LGA along River Benue, known for fishing and rice farming. Affected by farmer-herder conflicts.

Apa
HQ: Igumale
83,880
Population

Known for yam and cassava farming by the Idoma people. Remote LGA bordering Nasarawa and Kogi States.

Buruku
HQ: Buruku
165,200
Population

Known for the Tiv cultural practices and sorghum farming. Important LGA in northeast Benue.

Gboko
HQ: Gboko
374,504
Population

Second most populated LGA in Benue, a major Tiv cultural centre. Known for the Gboko market.

Guma
HQ: Gbajimba
178,200
Population

Riverine LGA frequently flooded by River Benue. Rice farming and fishing are major occupations.

Gwer East
HQ: Aliade
119,553
Population

Known for yam and sorghum farming. The Tiv Kwande people maintain strong cultural traditions.

Gwer West
HQ: Naka
140,637
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam, rice and cassava. A growing commercial centre between Makurdi and Gboko.

Katsina-Ala
HQ: Katsina-Ala
219,280
Population

Named after the Katsina-Ala River. Known for timber, cocoa and oil palm.

Konshisha
HQ: Tse-Agberagba
174,200
Population

Known for yam and cocoa farming by the Tiv people. Remote LGA with strong traditional governance.

Kwande
HQ: Adikpo
175,650
Population

Known for the Kwande Tiv people and cultural dances. Cocoa, yam and maize are major products.

Logo
HQ: Ugba
123,110
Population

Predominantly Tiv LGA known for yam and sorghum farming. Frequently affected by flooding.

Makurdi
HQ: Makurdi
300,377
Population

Contains Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Home to Benue State University and the River Benue bridge.

Obi
HQ: Obi
97,360
Population

Known for yam and cassava farming by the Igede people. Important cultural LGA in southern Benue.

Ogbadibo
HQ: Otukpa
119,543
Population

Known for clay pots, yam farming and the Idoma people cultural heritage.

Ohimini
HQ: Ojoku
86,120
Population

Idoma LGA known for yam, cassava and fishing along the Okpokwu River.

Oju
HQ: Oju
122,875
Population

Idoma LGA known for yam and cocoa farming. Home to the Ijigban Stone Age archaeological heritage site.

Okpokwu
HQ: Adoka
124,476
Population

Known for yam farming and growing commercial activities along the Otukpo-Enugu highway.

Oturkpo
HQ: Otukpo
221,360
Population

Home to Otukpo, the largest city in Benue South. Major commercial centre of the Idoma people.

Tarka
HQ: Gboko
93,730
Population

Small Tiv LGA known for sorghum and yam farming. Named after J.S. Tarka, a prominent Benue leader.

Ukum
HQ: Sankera
173,720
Population

Northwestern Benue LGA bordering Taraba. Known for yam and cocoa farming.

Ushongo
HQ: Lessel
162,343
Population

Tiv LGA known for yam farming and the Ushongo people cultural heritage.

Vandeikya
HQ: Vandeikya
198,930
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam, sorghum and cattle. The Vandeikya-Tiv people have strong cultural traditions.

History of Benue State

The land that is today Benue State has been inhabited for thousands of years, with archaeological evidence of iron-smelting and settled agricultural communities dating back to the first millennium AD. The territory sits in the great river confluence zone where the Benue River — the largest tributary…
Historical Kingdoms: Kwararafa Confederacy, Jukun kingdom, Igala kingdom, Idoma chieftaincies, Tiv acephalous clans
🕐 Read Full History of Benue →

2026 Appropriation

₦695.0B
Total Budget — Benue State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Benue State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Benue State under Governor Hyacinth Alia totals ₦695.0B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Benue State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →