🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Official Civic & Governance Knowledge Platform currentaffairs.com.ng 💼 Latest Jobs ❓ Take Civic Quiz

Kogi

“The Confluence State”

Capital Lokoja
Zone North Central
LGAs 21
Population 4,200,000
2026 Budget ₦820.5B

About Kogi

Kogi State is located in the North-Central region of Nigeria and is known as the "Confluence State" because it is where the River Niger and River Benue meet. It serves as a strategic gateway between the northern and southern parts of the country.
Historical Background
The land now known as Kogi State occupies one of the most strategically significant territories in the whole of West Africa — the confluence of the River Niger and the River Benue, the two greatest rivers of Nigeria. This meeting of waters, known simply as "the Confluence," dre… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Kogi

Official nameKogi
Capital city Lokoja
Slogan / MottoThe Confluence State
Geo-political zone North Central
Local govt areas 21 LGAs →
Population (census) 4,200,000
Population density 141 / km²
Total area 29,833 km²
First governor Abubakar Audu
2026 budget ₦820.5B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Kogi

The capital city of Kogi State is Lokoja. It is the seat of the Kogi State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Kogi State has 21 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, Kogi State has a population of 4,200,000. The state capital Lokoja is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 141 persons per km².
Kogi 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.
Kogi State was created in 1991. The first governor was Abubakar Audu. Learn more on the Kogi State History page.
The Kogi State budget for 2026 is ₦820.5B. See the full breakdown on the Kogi State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Kogi State covers a total land area of 29,833 km². With a population density of 141 people per km².

Government Structure

Kogi State is governed by an Executive Governor and a State House of Assembly. The state has administrative divisions across three senatorial districts and places strong emphasis on civil service and infrastructure development.

Economy of Kogi

The economy of Kogi State is driven by agriculture, solid mineral resources, and commerce. Major resources include iron ore, coal, limestone, and agriculture products such as yam, cassava, and coffee. Mining and steel production also play important roles.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated over 4.5 million people. The state is ethnically diverse with major groups including Igala, Ebira, and Okun Yoruba communities.
4,200,000
Population
29,833
Area km²
141
Per km²
21
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Kogi

Kogi State is rich in cultural heritage and natural landmarks. Popular attractions include the Confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue in Lokoja, Lord Lugard Residence, Iron of Liberty, and various traditional festivals across its ethnic groups.

Local Government Areas in Kogi

21 LGAs

Adavi
HQ: Ogaminana
202,000
Population

Known for the Adavi Ebira people and coal mining. Important LGA in western Kogi.

Ajaokuta
HQ: Ajaokuta
194,000
Population

Home to the Ajaokuta Steel Mill, Nigerias unfinished industrial mega-project on the River Niger.

Ankpa
HQ: Ankpa
192,000
Population

Known for the Igala people, yam farming and the Ankpa market. Important commercial LGA.

Bassa
HQ: Oguma
148,000
Population

Known for the Bassa Nge people and farming activities. Diverse ethnic LGA in western Kogi.

Dekina
HQ: Dekina
230,000
Population

Igala LGA known for yam farming and the Ata of Igala cultural heritage. Gateway to Igala kingdom.

Ibaji
HQ: Ibaji
89,000
Population

Riverine Igala LGA along River Niger and Anambra. Known for fishing and yam farming.

Idah
HQ: Idah
97,000
Population

Historic seat of the Igala kingdom. The Ata of Igala palace is a major cultural heritage site.

Igalamela/Odolu
HQ: Ajaka
157,000
Population

Known for the Igala people and yam farming. Important agricultural LGA in eastern Kogi.

Ijumu
HQ: Iyara
143,000
Population

Known for the Ijumu Yoruba people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in western Kogi.

Kabba/Bunu
HQ: Kabba
197,000
Population

Contains Kabba, known for the Okun Yoruba people and St. Bartholomews Hospital, one of Nigerias oldest.

Kogi
HQ: Koton Karfe
197,000
Population

Riverside LGA at Benue-Niger confluence. Known for fishing and farming by the Nupe and Bassa people.

Lokoja
HQ: Lokoja
196,000
Population

Contains Lokoja, the Kogi State capital and first capital of Nigeria. Located at confluence of Niger and Benue.

Mopa-Muro
HQ: Mopa
85,000
Population

Known for the Mopa and Muro Yoruba people and yam farming. Small LGA in western Kogi.

Ofu
HQ: Ofu
162,000
Population

Known for the Igala people and yam farming. Agricultural LGA in eastern Kogi State.

Ogori/Magongo
HQ: Ogori
80,000
Population

Known for the Ogori people and yam farming. Small LGA with distinct language group in western Kogi.

Okehi
HQ: Obehira
172,000
Population

Known for the Ebira people and coal mining activities. Gateway to western Kogi.

Okene
HQ: Okene
334,000
Population

Home to the Ebira people, Okene is a major commercial city. Known for textile weaving and yam farming.

Olamaboro
HQ: Olamaboro
147,000
Population

Igala LGA known for yam and cassava farming. Agricultural LGA in southeastern Kogi.

Omala
HQ: Oguma
128,000
Population

Known for the Igala people and subsistence farming. Important LGA in the central Igala kingdom.

Yagba East
HQ: Isanlu
160,000
Population

Known for the Okun Yoruba people and yam farming. Important agricultural LGA in western Kogi.

Yagba West
HQ: Iludun-Oro
148,000
Population

Known for the Okun Yoruba people and gem stone deposits. Agricultural and mineral LGA.

History of Kogi State

The land now known as Kogi State occupies one of the most strategically significant territories in the whole of West Africa — the confluence of the River Niger and the River Benue, the two greatest rivers of Nigeria. This meeting of waters, known simply as "the Confluence," drew human settlement fro…
Historical Kingdoms: Igala Kingdom, Okun Kingdom, Ebira Chieftaincies, Nupe Kingdom, Bassa peoples
🕐 Read Full History of Kogi →

2026 Appropriation

₦820.5B
Total Budget — Kogi State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Kogi State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Kogi State under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo totals ₦820.5B. 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 Kogi State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →