Plateau State • Local Government Area • Plateau South

Shendam Local Government Area

Shendam is one of the major administrative and commercial centres of southern Plateau.

Headquarters Shendam
Land Area 2,477 km²
Population (est.) 268699
Year Created 1976
Zone Plateau South
Country Nigeria

Communities & Notable Areas in Shendam LGA

Shendam LGA encompasses the following major communities, neighbourhoods, and areas:

1 Shendam town
2 Dorok
3 Moekat
4 Kwande and surrounding communities

History of Shendam LGA

Shendam is historically associated with several indigenous communities and traditional institutions. The area became part of Plateau State following the 1976 state creation.

Geography of Shendam LGA

The LGA contains broad savanna plains, agricultural valleys and seasonal waterways. The terrain is generally lower and warmer than the Jos Plateau.

Economy of Shendam LGA

Agriculture, livestock, trade and mining are major activities. Rice, yam, cassava, maize, millet and other crops are produced in the area.

Notable People from Shendam LGA

Simon Bako Lalong Politics

Former Governor of Plateau State and former Minister of Labour and Employment.

1963

About Shendam LGA — Key Facts & Context

Shendam 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

Shendam LGA covers an area of approximately 2,477 km². Its administrative headquarters is at Shendam.

History of Shendam LGA Creation

Shendam 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.

Shendam LGA and Plateau State

As part of Plateau State in the North Central geopolitical zone, Shendam 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 — Shendam LGA

What is Shendam LGA known for?

Shendam is one of the major administrative and commercial centres of southern Plateau.

What is the headquarters of Shendam LGA?

The headquarters of Shendam LGA is Shendam, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Which local government is Shendam in Plateau State?

Shendam is its own Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is Shendam. The LGA covers an area of approximately 2,477 km².

What are the communities in Shendam LGA?

The major communities and notable areas in Shendam LGA include: Shendam town, Dorok, Moekat, Kwande and surrounding communities.

When was Shendam LGA created?

Shendam 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 Shendam LGA in Plateau State?

Shendam LGA covers an area of approximately 2,477 square kilometres (km²), making it one of the LGAs in Plateau State.

What is the population of Shendam LGA?

The estimated population of Shendam LGA is approximately 268699. Note that Nigeria's last official census was conducted in 2006, so current population figures are estimates based on projections.