This guide comprehensively lists Anambra state local government areas, Including their chairman. Anambra State (Igbo: Ọra Anambra) is a state in southeastern Nigeria, created on August 27, 1991.
Bordered by Delta, Imo, Rivers, Enugu, and Kogi States, Anambra is one of Nigeria’s most urbanized states. The capital is Awka, while Onitsha, one of Africa’s largest cities, is its commercial hub.
Nnewi, the second-largest city, is a major center for industry and automobile production in the country. Anambra people are mainly Igbo, and the Igbo language is widely spoken.
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How Many Local Governments In Anambra State?
Anambra State is divided into 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each with its chairman. Here’s is a complete list of these LGAs along with their respective chairmen as confirmed by the Anambra State House of Assembly:
- Aguata – Chibueze Ofobuike
- Anambra East – Ifeanyi Chiweze
- Anambra West – Fidelis Nnazo
- Anaocha – Romanus Ibekwe
- Awka North – ThankGod Anago
- Awka South – Chinedu Okafor
- Ayamelum – Alphonsus Ofumelu
- Dunukofia – Chijioke Ozumba
- Ekwusigo – Chimezie Obi
- Idemili North – Stanley Nkwoka
- Idemili South – Amaka Obi
- Ihiala – Anayo Orjiako
- Njikoka – Chinedu Ononiba
- Nnewi North – Echezona Anazodo
- Nnewi South – Chinedu Ezeogidi
- Ogbaru – Franklin Nwadialu
- Onitsha North – Anthony Nwaora
- Onitsha South – Emeka Orji
- Orumba North – Casmir Nwafor
- Orumba South – Shedrack Azubuike
- Oyi – Emma Nweke
What LGA Is The Most Developed In Anambra State?
Onitsha North is the most developed Local Government Area (LGA) in Anambra state. It is located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, making it an important center for trade and commerce.
Onitsha North is home to Onitsha City, one of Nigeria’s largest urban areas and a historic port city. The development of this area began during colonial times when Onitsha became a major trading post.
Since then, it has grown into a bustling commercial hub and is often referred to as the economic heartbeat of Anambra State.
Onitsha Main Market is one of the largest in West Africa and attracts traders and buyers from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.
The economic activities there are diverse, including wholesale and retail trading, manufacturing, and other services. Many industries and businesses are based in Onitsha North.
Onitsha North is also part of the Onitsha-Nnewi-Awka Industrial Axis. Nnewi, another city in Anambra State, supports Onitsha’s commerce with its strong industrial base, particularly in automobile manufacturing.
These areas strengthen the economic power of the state. Infrastructure in Onitsha North has greatly improved over the years.
Roads, public transport, and utilities have been developed. Urbanization has also led to more housing projects and commercial buildings.
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Which LGA Is The Largest In Anambra State?
The largest Local Government Area (LGA) in Anambra State is Idemili North. This LGA is located in the South-Central part of Nigeria within Anambra State.
It covers an area of about 390 square kilometers, making it the largest LGA in the state by land size. The population of Idemili North was recorded as 460,177 in 2025, making it the most populated area in Anambra State.
The headquarters of Idemili North is in Ogidi, which is also the hometown of the famous writer Chinua Achebe. Idemili North is made up of several towns, including Abacha, Abatete, Eziowelle, Ideani, Nkpor, Obosi, Ogidi, Oraukwu, Uke, and Umuoji.
It is also part of the Greater Onitsha Metropolis, which is known as one of the largest urban areas in Nigeria. The Idemili River flows through this region.
Also, the economy of Idemili North is diverse, with trade being a major activity. The area has several markets, such as the Uke Market and the Building Materials Market.
Farming is another key economic activity, with crops like yam, cassava, cocoyam, and vegetables being grown. Fishing, blacksmithing, and crafts are also important sources of livelihood for the residents.
Idemili North has a good number of schools, including secondary schools like Notre Dame High School in Abatete and Anglican Girls’ Secondary School in Ogidi. There are also tertiary institutions like the John Bosco Institute of Technology in Obosi.
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Second Largest LGA In Anambra State By Population
Ihiala Local Government Area (LGA) is the second-largest LGA in Anambra State by population, with around 322,657 people as of 2025. It is located in the southern part of the state within the Igboland region.
Ihiala town serves as the administrative capital of the LGA, which also includes other towns like Okija, Uli, Amorka, Azia, Lilu, Mbosi, Isseke, Orsumoghu, and Ubuluisuzor.
The area covers about 300.8 square kilometers (116.1 square miles). Ihiala’s economy is mostly based on agriculture. The area is known for growing crops such as cassava, yams, cocoyams, and vegetables.
There is also a strong commercial sector, with markets like Nkwor Ihiala and Nkwogbe being central to trade. Many banks, hotels, and public and private institutions operate within the LGA boosting its economy.
The LGA shares borders with Nnewi LGA to the northwest, Imo State to the east and northeast, Ekwusigo LGA to the west, and Delta State to the south.
Ihiala is home to many notable individuals, such as Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a lawyer and TV personality, and Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace Airlines.
