About Benue
Explore Benue State
Quick Facts — Benue
| Official name | Benue |
| Capital city | Makurdi |
| Slogan / Motto | Food 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
Government Structure
Current Officials
Economy of Benue
Demographics & Geography
Culture & Tourism in Benue
Local Government Areas in Benue
23 LGAs
Agricultural LGA known for yam and rice farming. The Idoma people are known for cultural festivals and crafts.
Riverine LGA along River Benue, known for fishing and rice farming. Affected by farmer-herder conflicts.
Known for yam and cassava farming by the Idoma people. Remote LGA bordering Nasarawa and Kogi States.
Known for the Tiv cultural practices and sorghum farming. Important LGA in northeast Benue.
Second most populated LGA in Benue, a major Tiv cultural centre. Known for the Gboko market.
Riverine LGA frequently flooded by River Benue. Rice farming and fishing are major occupations.
Known for yam and sorghum farming. The Tiv Kwande people maintain strong cultural traditions.
Agricultural LGA known for yam, rice and cassava. A growing commercial centre between Makurdi and Gboko.
Named after the Katsina-Ala River. Known for timber, cocoa and oil palm.
Known for yam and cocoa farming by the Tiv people. Remote LGA with strong traditional governance.
Known for the Kwande Tiv people and cultural dances. Cocoa, yam and maize are major products.
Predominantly Tiv LGA known for yam and sorghum farming. Frequently affected by flooding.
Contains Makurdi, the Benue State capital. Home to Benue State University and the River Benue bridge.
Known for yam and cassava farming by the Igede people. Important cultural LGA in southern Benue.
Known for clay pots, yam farming and the Idoma people cultural heritage.
Idoma LGA known for yam, cassava and fishing along the Okpokwu River.
Idoma LGA known for yam and cocoa farming. Home to the Ijigban Stone Age archaeological heritage site.
Known for yam farming and growing commercial activities along the Otukpo-Enugu highway.
Home to Otukpo, the largest city in Benue South. Major commercial centre of the Idoma people.
Small Tiv LGA known for sorghum and yam farming. Named after J.S. Tarka, a prominent Benue leader.
Northwestern Benue LGA bordering Taraba. Known for yam and cocoa farming.
Tiv LGA known for yam farming and the Ushongo people cultural heritage.
Agricultural LGA known for yam, sorghum and cattle. The Vandeikya-Tiv people have strong cultural traditions.
History of Benue State
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.
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