Ushongo Local Government Area
Ushongo is a predominantly Tiv-speaking agricultural LGA in eastern Benue.
Communities & Notable Areas in Ushongo LGA
Ushongo LGA encompasses the following major communities, neighbourhoods, and areas:
History of Ushongo LGA
Ushongo's communities have traditionally depended on farming and Tiv community institutions. Lessel serves as the administrative headquarters.
Geography of Ushongo LGA
The area contains Guinea savanna landscapes, cultivated plains, streams and low hills. Agricultural land occupies a large share of the LGA.
Economy of Ushongo LGA
Agriculture is the principal economic activity. Yam, cassava, maize, rice, soybean, groundnut and vegetables are cultivated extensively.
About Ushongo LGA — Key Facts & Context
Ushongo Local Government Area (LGA) is one of the many LGAs that make up Benue State in Nigeria. Local Government Areas are the third tier of government in Nigeria, below the federal and state governments. Each LGA is governed by an elected Local Government Chairman and councillors, responsible for primary education, basic healthcare, local roads, and community development.
Size and Geography
Ushongo LGA covers an area of approximately 1,228 km². Its administrative headquarters is at Lessel.
History of Ushongo LGA Creation
Ushongo LGA was formally established in 1976 as part of Nigeria's local government reform exercises carried out by the federal military government. Nigeria's current system of 774 LGAs was built through a series of administrative reforms — most significantly the 1976 reform under General Murtala Muhammed and subsequent exercises in 1991 and 1996. For the full context, see History of State Creation in Nigeria.
Ushongo LGA and Benue State
As part of Benue State in the North Central geopolitical zone, Ushongo LGA contributes to the political, economic, and cultural character of the state. To see all LGAs in Benue State, visit the full LGA listing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ushongo LGA
What is Ushongo LGA known for?
Ushongo is a predominantly Tiv-speaking agricultural LGA in eastern Benue.
What is the headquarters of Ushongo LGA?
The headquarters of Ushongo LGA is Lessel, Benue State, Nigeria.
Which local government is Ushongo in Benue State?
Ushongo is its own Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is Lessel. The LGA covers an area of approximately 1,228 km².
What are the communities in Ushongo LGA?
The major communities and notable areas in Ushongo LGA include: Lessel, Ushongo, Adikpo axis, Vandeikya border communities.
When was Ushongo LGA created?
Ushongo LGA was created in 1976, making it approximately 50 years old. It was established as part of Nigeria's LGA creation exercises under the federal military government.
How large is Ushongo LGA in Benue State?
Ushongo LGA covers an area of approximately 1,228 square kilometres (km²), making it one of the LGAs in Benue State.
What is the population of Ushongo LGA?
The estimated population of Ushongo LGA is approximately 298528. Note that Nigeria's last official census was conducted in 2006, so current population figures are estimates based on projections.