This guide comprehensively lists all the local government areas in River State with their elected local government chairman.
Rivers State, located in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria was created on May 27, 1967, when it was split from the old Eastern Region.
The state shares borders with Imo and Anambra to the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom to the east, and Bayelsa and Delta to the west. And, the state capital, Port Harcourt, is a major city and the center of Nigeria’s oil industry.
Rivers State had a population of 5,198,716 in 2006 and grew to 9,567,892 in 2025, making it the 4th most populated state in Nigeria.
The state is home to different ethnic groups, including Ikwerre, Degema, Ijaw, Ogoni, Ogba, Ekpeye, and Kalabari. It is also known for its 30 Indigenous languages. Rivers State has a strong petroleum industry, but corruption and mismanagement have slowed its development.
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List Of Local Government Areas In River State And Their Chairmen
Rivers State is divided into 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with an elected chairman:
- Abua/Odual – Vincent Reuben Obu
- Ahoada-East – Chibudom Ezu
- Ahoada-West – Iyekor Ikporo
- Akuku-Toru – Hon. Mrs. Tonye Oniyide-Briggs
- Andoni – Lazarus Gogote Nteogwuile
- Asari-Toru – Sule Amachree
- Bonny – Dame Hon. Anengi Barasua Claude-Wilcox
- Degema – Harry Agiriye
- Eleme – Brain Gokpa
- Emohua – David Omereji
- Etche – Ongoing collation
- Gokana – Monday Dumiye
- Ikwerre – Isreal Abosi
- Khana – Martins Nwigbo
- Obio/Akpor – Chijioke Ihunwo
- Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni – Prince Isaac Umejuru
- Ogu/Bolo – Ishmael Oforibika
- Okrika – Igwe Achese
- Omuma – Promise Reginald
- Opobo/Nkoro – Enyiada Cookey-Gam
- Oyigbo – Gift Okere
- Port Harcourt – Ezebunwo Ichemati
- Tai – Matthew Nenubari Dike
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Which Is The Richest LGA In Rivers State?
Obio-Akpor is the richest Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State, Nigeria, with an estimated worth of $10 billion. It is a major economic hub in the state and plays a big part in the development of the Niger Delta region.
Obio-Akpor is part of the Port Harcourt metropolis and is home to several industries, companies, and businesses that drive its wealth and economic growth.
This LGA was created on May 3, 1989, and has its headquarters in Rumuodomaya. It is strategically located, sharing boundaries with Port Harcourt LGA, Oyigbo, Eleme, Ikwerre, Etche, and Emohua.
This location makes it an important commercial center accessible by road, sea, and air transportation. Obio-Akpor has a population of over 772,000 people and covers an area of approximately 260 square kilometers.
Obio-Akpor’s economy is powered by major industries and companies, including Pabod Breweries, Coca-Cola, Indomie, and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
These industries provide employment opportunities and contribute to the LGA’s economic strength. Additionally, the area is known for fisheries and aquaculture, which support both local and commercial fish production.
Politically, Obio-Akpor is one of the eight LGAs that make up the Rivers East Senatorial District. It has 17 electoral wards and is governed by the Obio-Akpor Local Government Council.
Obio-Akpor is also known as the “Gateway City” due to its strategic position. It has a well-developed road network and modern infrastructure, making it a prime location for businesses and investors.
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Which LGA Is The Biggest In Rivers State By Land Mass?
Akuku-Toru is the biggest Local Government Area (LGA) in Rivers State by land mass, covering approximately 1,443 square kilometers.
Located in the southern part of Rivers State, it shares boundaries with Abua/Odual and Degema LGAs to the north and the Bight of Bonny to the south.
The LGA is known for its riverine geography, with numerous rivers, creeks, and mangrove forests that contribute to its biodiversity and economic activities.
Also, the administrative headquarters of Akuku-Toru is in Abonnema, a central hub for governance and local administration. The LGA consists of 17 political wards, including Abonnema, Soku, Kula, and Obonoma.
It was created in 1990 from parts of the former Degema LGA and is governed by an elected chairman and council representatives from each ward. The economy of Akuku-Toru is primarily driven by fishing, due to its extensive waterways.
Fishing is not only a source of livelihood but also a significant cultural practice among the Kalabari people, who form the majority of the population.
Agriculture also is essential, with residents cultivating crops like cassava, yam, plantain, and vegetables. Trade and commerce thrive in markets, especially in Abonnema, where local goods are exchanged.
Akuku-Toru has an estimated population of 269,244 people in 2025. The LGA has nine functional primary healthcare facilities, a general hospital in Abonnema, and a cottage hospital in Soku.
However, healthcare accessibility remains a challenge due to infrastructural constraints. Education is also a priority, with several primary and secondary schools managed by both the government and private institutions.
The LGA experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and an average annual temperature of 25°C. It has a rainy season from April to October and a dry season from November to March, both of which impact farming and fishing activities.
