This guide comprehensively lists all the local government areas in Akwa Ibom state, including their chairman. Akwa Ibom, located in southern Nigeria was created on September 23, 1987, from Cross River State.
Its capital is Uyo, and it is known as the “Land of Promise.” The state is bordered by Cross River, Rivers, and Abia states, and the Atlantic Ocean, covering 7,081 square kilometers and has over 7.3 million people (2025 estimate).
However, the main ethnic groups in the state are Ibibio, Annang, and Oron, who speak more than 20 languages. Also, the state’s economy depends on oil and gas production, which has made the state Nigeria’s top oil-producing state.
Agriculture is also important, with crops like yams and plantains, and fishing. Geographically, Akwa Ibom has mangroves, forests, and rivers like the Qua Iboe, Imo, and Cross.
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What Are The Local Government Areas Of Akwa Ibom State?
Akwa Ibom State is divided into 31 local government areas (LGAs), each governed by an elected chairman. Here’s the complete list of these LGAs along with their respective chairmen:
- Abak – Imeh Effiong Charles
- Eastern Obolo – Samuel Samuel Nteogwuijah
- Eket – Hon. Akaninyene Tommey Ikott
- Esit Eket – Uduak Ikot
- Essien Udim – Ntiedo Usoro
- Etim Ekpo – Gideon Uwa
- Etinan – Hon. Uko Umoh
- Ibeno – Glory Ekah Effiong
- Ibesikpo Asutan – Edidiong Inyang
- Ibiono Ibom – Asuakak Umoh
- Ika – Jerry Ehiwarior
- Ikono – OTO-OBONG OKON ESSIEN
- Ikot Abasi – Ime Williamson Essien
- Ikot Ekpene – Aniefiok Nkom
- Ini – Inibehe Uma
- Itu – Ubong Ukutt
- Mbo – Sunday Okon Etim
- Mkpat Enin – Emmanuel Inyang
- Nsit Atai – Prince Anthony Nyong
- Nsit Ibom – Otobong Aaron
- Nsit Ubium – Alfred Charles
- Obot Akara – Simon Dominic Akpan
- Okobo – George Henshaw
- Onna – Kufre Umoren
- Oron – Okon Asukwo Enweme
- Oruk Anam – Sunday Festus Akpan
- Oru West – Ikenna Anthony Adikibe
- Udung Uko – Godwin Okponung
- Ukanafun – Prince Uyo Asuquo Ukpanah
- Uruan – Hon Iniobong Ekpenyong
- Urue-Offong/Oruko – Uno Etim Uno
- Uyo – Uwemedimo Udo
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Which Is The Richest LGA In Akwa Ibom State?
Uyo is considered the richest Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Uyo is estimated at $8.2 billion in late 2024.
This is because it is the state capital and has developed significantly since becoming the administrative center in 1987.
Uyo has a population of about over 439,800 people, making it one of the most populated and economically active areas in the state.
Its central location makes it a key hub for governance, business, and education in Akwa Ibom. The wealth of Uyo is mainly driven by the oil and gas sector.
Akwa Ibom is Nigeria’s largest oil-producing state, and this industry provides substantial revenue that supports infrastructure and public services in Uyo.
Despite challenges like corruption and inefficient management, the city’s access to oil wealth remains a big advantage, which has contributed to the wealth of the LGA.
Agriculture is another important part of Uyo’s economy. The favorable climate supports the growth of crops like cocoyam, yam, plantain, rice, and cassava.
These crops provide food for local consumption and serve as raw materials for industries. Fishing is also common due to Uyo’s access to coastal resources.
Uyo has experienced rapid urbanization and infrastructure growth, which includes good road networks, modern housing developments, shopping malls, hotels, and recreational facilities. The Victor Attah International Airport and nearby sea ports make the area attractive for trade and business.
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Which LGA Is The Largest In Akwa Ibom By Land Mass
The largest Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State by land mass is Oruk Anam, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria. It covers a total area of about 543.9 square kilometers (210 square miles).
Its headquarters is in Ikot Ibritam, and the area is largely populated by the Annang people, who are one of the minority ethnic groups in the region.
Oruk Anam was originally made up of two separate administrative units: the Oruk zone and the Anam zone. The Oruk zone used to be a Local Government Area with its headquarters at Urua Anwa and was known as the Southern Annang County Council.
Also, the Anam zone was previously an independent LGA with its headquarters at Ikot Akpan Essien and was referred to as the Anam or Annang County Council.
In 1989, these two zones were merged to form the present-day Oruk Anam LGA. The LGA is strategically located, sharing boundaries with Ikot-Abasi and Mkpat-Enin LGAs (Ibibio-speaking areas) to the southeast, and Ukanafun LGA (Anaang-speaking area) to the west.
Oruk Anam is a gateway to major cities like Port Harcourt and Aba, making it an important area for commercial activities.
Notable towns in Oruk Anam include Ikot Ibritam, Ekparakwa, Ikot Okoro, Obio Akpa, and Ikot Akpan Essien. Oruk Anam is home to farmers, craftsmen, and civil servants.
Educational institutions like the Akwa Ibom State University (Obio Akpa campus) and government facilities like the general hospital in Ikot Okoro are also located in the area.
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Which LGA Is The Smallest In Akwa Ibom?
Udung-Uko is the smallest Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State by population, with about 76,00 people as of 2025.
It is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria and was created in December 1996, from Oron. The LGA’s headquarters is in Eyofin, and the area has a land size of 68.76 square kilometers.
Udung-Uko is home to the Oro-speaking people and includes 42 villages divided into 10 political wards. This area is bordered by Mbo to the south, Oron to the north, Urue-Offong/Oruko to the west, and the Cross River Estuary to the east.
It has a tropical climate with two main seasons: the dry season, which runs from October to April, and the wet season, lasting from May to September.
The people of Udung-Uko rely on fishing, farming, and other traditional crafts like canoe-making and wood carving for their livelihood. Also, the LGA has deposits of crude oil and salt, which has attracted some oil companies to the area.
One of the unique features of Udung-Uko is its lively beach market at Esuk Usung, where local fishermen, as well as those from Ilaje, Cameroon, and Ghana, sell fresh seafood.
Other rivers and waterways in the area are sources of fine sand and gravel, which are extracted in commercial quantities.
The LGA also has historical value, as Esuk Usung was an entry point for the Nigerian Army during the Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
