Jos North Local Government Area
Jos North contains the core of Jos city and is the most densely populated LGA in Plateau State.
Communities & Notable Areas in Jos North LGA
Jos North LGA encompasses the following major communities, neighbourhoods, and areas:
History of Jos North LGA
Jos North was created from the former Jos Local Government Area in the 1990s. The area contains the historic centre of Jos, which grew rapidly during the colonial tin-mining era.
Jos became a major urban centre because of tin mining, railway development, trade and its position between northern and southern Nigeria.
Geography of Jos North LGA
Jos North occupies a high-altitude urban landscape on the Jos Plateau. The LGA has extensive built-up areas, rocky terrain and relatively cool weather compared with much of Nigeria.
Economy of Jos North LGA
Jos North is Plateau's principal urban and commercial centre. Its economy is dominated by trade, services, education, healthcare, hospitality, transport, government and small businesses.
Landmarks & Attractions in Jos North LGA
National Museum Jos
The National Museum Jos is one of Nigeria's important museums and holds collections associated with archaeology, ethnography, traditional arts and Nigerian cultural heritage. The museum is particularly important to Plateau's rich archaeological and cultural history.
Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture
The Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture in Jos showcases traditional architectural styles and structures from different parts of Nigeria. It provides an important window into the country's architectural heritage.
Jos National Museum Area
The museum district in Jos forms an important cultural heritage zone containing institutions associated with archaeology, traditional Nigerian culture and Plateau's diverse ethnic heritage.
About Jos North LGA — Key Facts & Context
Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) is one of the many LGAs that make up Plateau 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
Jos North LGA covers an area of approximately 291 km². Its administrative headquarters is at Jos.
History of Jos North LGA Creation
Jos North LGA was formally established in 1991 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.
Jos North LGA and Plateau State
As part of Plateau State in the North Central geopolitical zone, Jos North LGA contributes to the political, economic, and cultural character of the state. To see all LGAs in Plateau State, visit the full LGA listing.
Frequently Asked Questions — Jos North LGA
What is Jos North LGA known for?
Jos North contains the core of Jos city and is the most densely populated LGA in Plateau State.
What is the headquarters of Jos North LGA?
The headquarters of Jos North LGA is Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Which local government is Jos North in Plateau State?
Jos North is its own Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is Jos. The LGA covers an area of approximately 291 km².
What are the communities in Jos North LGA?
The major communities and notable areas in Jos North LGA include: Jos city, Terminus, Dutse Uku, Naraguta, Tudun Wada, Angwan Rogo, University of Jos.
When was Jos North LGA created?
Jos North LGA was created in 1991, making it approximately 35 years old. It was established as part of Nigeria's LGA creation exercises under the federal military government.
How large is Jos North LGA in Plateau State?
Jos North LGA covers an area of approximately 291 square kilometres (km²), making it one of the LGAs in Plateau State.
What is the population of Jos North LGA?
The estimated population of Jos North LGA is approximately 572739. Note that Nigeria's last official census was conducted in 2006, so current population figures are estimates based on projections.