Kanke Local Government Area
Kanke is an agricultural LGA with several Ngas and other indigenous communities.
Communities & Notable Areas in Kanke LGA
Kanke LGA encompasses the following major communities, neighbourhoods, and areas:
History of Kanke LGA
Kanke has long-established indigenous settlements and traditional institutions. The area became part of Plateau State when the state was created in 1976.
Geography of Kanke LGA
The LGA contains rolling savanna landscapes, farmland, hills and seasonal drainage channels.
Economy of Kanke LGA
Agriculture is the mainstay, including maize, millet, sorghum, yam, cassava and livestock. Local trade and small businesses support the economy.
About Kanke LGA — Key Facts & Context
Kanke 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
Kanke LGA covers an area of approximately 926 km². Its administrative headquarters is at Kwal.
History of Kanke LGA Creation
Kanke 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.
Kanke LGA and Plateau State
As part of Plateau State in the North Central geopolitical zone, Kanke 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 — Kanke LGA
What is Kanke LGA known for?
Kanke is an agricultural LGA with several Ngas and other indigenous communities.
What is the headquarters of Kanke LGA?
The headquarters of Kanke LGA is Kwal, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Which local government is Kanke in Plateau State?
Kanke is its own Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is Kwal. The LGA covers an area of approximately 926 km².
What are the communities in Kanke LGA?
The major communities and notable areas in Kanke LGA include: Kwal, Kabwir, Amper, Ampang West and surrounding communities.
When was Kanke LGA created?
Kanke 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 Kanke LGA in Plateau State?
Kanke LGA covers an area of approximately 926 square kilometres (km²), making it one of the LGAs in Plateau State.
What is the population of Kanke LGA?
The estimated population of Kanke LGA is approximately 162787. Note that Nigeria's last official census was conducted in 2006, so current population figures are estimates based on projections.