Local Government Councillor
Councillors represent individual wards within each LGA and form the LGA's legislative council. They are the most locally accessible tier of elected government in Nigeria.
Term length
3 years
Term length varies by state law; commonly 3 years
Seats
8,809
Approximately 8,809+ ward councillors across all LGAs
Minimum age
21 years
Category
Legislative
Constitutional basis
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Section 7; State Local Government Laws
Qualifications to stand
- ✓Nigerian citizen
- ✓At least 21 years of age
- ✓Member of a registered political party
- ✓Minimum School Certificate or equivalent
- ✓Resident in the ward
Roles and responsibilities
- •Make by-laws for the ward and LGA
- •Pass the LGA annual budget
- •Represent ward interests to the LGA Chairman
- •Oversee LGA services in the ward
- •Receive petitions and complaints from ward residents
Powers
- ◆Legislative authority within the LGA area
- ◆Power to impeach the LGA Chairman (by required majority)
- ◆Approval of LGA expenditure
Checks and oversight
Who holds this office accountable?
- ⚖Electorate — ward-level elections
- ⚖SIEC — State Independent Electoral Commission
Remuneration
Varies widely; typically ₦100,000–₦300,000 per annum
Election
Related offices
How to run for this office
Step-by-step guide to becoming a candidate in Nigeria.
Browse current officials
See who holds elected offices in Nigeria right now.
Information based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act 2022.