Lokoja is a Local Government Area in Kogi State, north-central Nigeria, and the state capital since Kogi was created on 27 August 1991. The town lies at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers at coordinates 7.8023° N, 6.7333° E, with a 2006 census population of 196,643, projected at 265,000 in 2022, a land area of 3,180 km², and the township postal code is 260101.
Towns and Villages in Lokoja
The LGA contains 93 verified settlements:
| Settlement | Settlement | Settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Abugi | Adankolo | Adogbe |
| Agbaja | Agbodo | Agini |
| Akpata | Akyinko | Angbapu |
| Angwa Kura | Apata | Arah |
| Ashe | Atungbele | Awumi |
| Bagi | Balagun | Banda |
| Batake | Bataku | Budon |
| Buge | Choko-Choko | Danbo |
| Doji | Ebo | Edo |
| Eggan | Ekan | Elagi |
| Emikpangi | Emu | Felele |
| Fikara | Gbebu | Gbedumo |
| Giri | Gori | Gugurugi |
| Gunji-Twa-Aki | Gwachi | Ibaru |
| Igbonla Odo | Ijiho | Jakura |
| Jamata | Kapu | Karagi |
| Karara | Kayinko | Keregbe |
| Kinami | Kochi | Kompala |
| Kpoku | Kumi | Kungbani |
| Kuroko | Lagan | Lantsara |
| Lokongoma | Lusuta | Mabo |
| Mami | Migegi | Mikugi |
| Miza | Najogun | Nambata |
| Obajana | Ogbagbon | Ogbogboro |
| Ohono | Okomoba | Old Budon |
| Otube | Oyo | Rambayi |
| Sampi | Sarkin-Noma | Shevun |
| Sunawa | Taji Bakin | Taji Chado |
| Taji Gberuko | Taji Kaji | Tajimi |
| Taraba | Wara | Yaro |
| Yashi Keya | Yekaraji | Yinkaragi |
Geography
Lokoja sits on the western bank of the Niger River at its confluence with the Benue, at an altitude of 45–125 metres above sea level. The town is dominated by Mount Patti, a flat-topped hill rising 458 metres above the surrounding plain. Kogi State is nicknamed the “Confluence State” after this geography.
Demographics
The 2006 census recorded the LGA population at 196,643. Major ethnic groups include the Nupe, Kupa, Kakanda and Oworo (Yoruba) peoples. Hausa, Yoruba, Igala and English are commonly spoken; Christianity and Islam are both practised.
Economy and Local Life
Lokoja is the administrative and commercial hub of Kogi State. The Federal University Lokoja, the Kogi State Polytechnic Itakpe, and the Kogi State Specialist Hospital are major institutions. Trade, river fishing, government services and tourism (the confluence site, Mount Patti) drive the local economy.
History
The modern settlement at Lokoja was established in 1857 by the British explorer William Baikie at the site of an earlier model farm from the failed 1841 Niger expedition. In the early 1900s the town served as the colonial capital of the Northern Nigeria Protectorate until 1903. Lokoja was designated capital of the newly created Kogi State in 1991, when the state was formed from parts of Benue, Niger and Kwara states.
Getting There
Lokoja is roughly 165 km south-west of Abuja, the federal capital, along the Abuja–Lokoja highway. The Niger Bridge at Jamata connects Lokoja to the eastern bank and the road network to Anambra and Enugu states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lokoja located?
Lokoja is the capital of Kogi State in north-central Nigeria, at the confluence of the Niger and Benue rivers.
What is the population of Lokoja?
The Lokoja Local Government Area had a population of 196,643 according to the 2006 census.
How big is Lokoja?
Lokoja LGA covers a total land area of 3,180 square kilometres.
What is the postal code of Lokoja?
The postal code for Lokoja township is 260101.
When did Lokoja become a state capital?
Lokoja was designated the capital of Kogi State in 1991, when the state was created from parts of Benue, Niger and Kwara states.
Why is Kogi called the Confluence State?
The confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue occurs at Lokoja, the state capital — hence the nickname.
See a wrong or missing town? Report a problem with this list