This guide comprehensively lists all the Local Government areas in Abia State and their Chairman. Abia State, located in southeastern Nigeria, was created on August 27, 1991, from part of Imo State.
The capital city is Umuahia, while Aba serves as the commercial hub. However, Abia state has 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including Aba North, Umuahia North, and Ohafia.
With an area of 5,243.7 square kilometers, the state shares borders with Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Anambra states.
The state’s population is predominantly Igbo, with Christianity as the main religion. Abia’s economy relies on agriculture, manufacturing, and oil production.
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What Are The 17 Local Government Areas In Abia State?
Here is the complete list of the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Abia State, along with their respective chairmen:
- Aba North – Timothy Iheke
- Aba South – Anyanwu Obilor
- Arochukwu – Okereke Ezearo
- Bende – Uwabunkeonye Bassey
- Ikwuano – Dr. Anthony Nwaubani
- Isiala Ngwa North – Innocent Uruakpa
- Isiala Ngwa South – Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu
- Isuikwuato – Chinedu Ekeke
- Obingwa – Maxwell Nwadike
- Osisioma – Chidi Christian Agu
- Ohafia – Eleanya Ojuu Kalu
- Ukwa East – Chibunna Akara
- Ukwa West – Dike Nwankwo
- Umuahia North – Smart Ihuoma
- Umuahia South – Chinwendu Enwereuzo
- Ugwunagbo – Iheanacho Chiemela Nwagbara
- Umunneochi – Sunday Afuruike
What Is The Largest Local Government Area In Abia State?
Aba South is the largest Local Government Area (LGA) in Abia State, with a population estimated to be around 631,000 people in 2025.
It is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, and it is an important hub for business and commerce. The headquarters of Aba South is in Aba, one of Nigeria’s major commercial cities.
Aba South covers an area of 49 square kilometers, and the LGA is well-known for its economic activities, particularly trading, manufacturing, and craftsmanship.
It houses the New Market on Ngwa Road. The area is also known for its vibrant culture and entrepreneurial spirit, which attracts people from different parts of Nigeria.
Aba South is home to several towns and villages, including Akoli, Asaeme, Ndiegoro, Ariaria, and Umuagbai. These communities contribute to the area’s culture and economic activities.
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The Largest City In Abia State
The largest city in Abia State is Aba, located in southeastern Nigeria. Aba is the commercial hub of the state and a key city in Nigeria.
It is made up of different villages such as Aba-Ukwu, Eziukwu-Aba, Obuda-Aba, and Umuokpoji-Aba. These villages have been merged for administrative purposes.
However, the city is along the Aba River and connects major roads leading to cities like Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Umuahia.
Aba is an important center for trade and business in the southeastern part of the country. Historically, Aba was established as a market town by the Ngwa people, who are the indigenous population.
It later became a key location for the British colonial administration, with a military post set up in 1901. The city’s value grew when a railway was built to connect it to Port Harcourt, allowing agricultural goods like palm oil to be transported.
Aba also played a part in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, which was a protest against colonial taxation policies. Today, Aba is popular for its markets, especially the Ariaria International Market, which is one of the largest in Nigeria.
The market attracts buyers and sellers from across the country and beyond. Also, the city is recognized for its skilled craftsmen and industries that produce textiles, cosmetics, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
With a population of over 3.5 million people, Aba is the largest city in Abia State and also the most populous city in southeastern Nigeria.
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Which Is The Richest Village In Abia State?
Abiriba, a town in the Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, is often considered the richest village in the state. Known as the “Small London” by many, Abiriba is famous for its wealth, cultural heritage, and entrepreneurship.
The town is predominantly Igbo-speaking and has a rich history that traces its origins to the Cross River region, where it shares ancestry with the Bahumono, Yakor, and Ekoi tribes, and the people of Arochukwu.
With time, the people of Abiriba settled in their current location after facing challenges in their earlier settlements. Abiriba comprises three main villages: Ameke, Amogudu, and Agboji.
These communities are governed by a traditional monarchical system, with the paramount ruler being the Enachioken of Abiriba.
The system can be seen in their customs, where leadership is hereditary and linked to the descendants of the kingdom’s founder.
One of the reasons Abiriba is seen as wealthy is its people’s strong entrepreneurial spirit. Many individuals from the town are successful businesspeople, not just within Nigeria but also internationally.
Abiriba is also known for its age-grade system, which plays a part in community development. This system encourages collective responsibility and has been key to the town’s orderly progress and infrastructure development over the years.
Abiriba’s culture and traditions are also unique. Ceremonies like Itu Eye, which is a period of law enactment, and the symbolic Okpu Achi tree show a connection to their heritage.
With notable figures like Urum Kalu Eke and Uche Jombo emerging from Abiriba, the town continues to be seen as a state of wealth and influence.
