Anambra State which was created on 27th August 1991 has 21 local governments and headquarters.
Anambra State is one of the 36 states that make up the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also one of the 5 southeast states in the country. The state was named after the Omambala River, a river that runs through the state and Anambra is the Anglicized name of the Omambala. Anambra is the eighth-most populated state in Nigeria and according to the 2022 census report, it has over 9 million residents.
Local Governments in Anambra State and their Headquarters
Local governments are created in every state to provide services to the indigenes in the areas of education, social welfare, health facilities, and culture, among other things.
There are 21 local governments in Anambra State and all of them have the Igbo language as their primary language but there are other indigenous dialects that are predominant in some towns and villages. This post is about the local governments in Anambra State, their headquarters, and the towns in each of them.
1. Aguata Local Government Area
Aguata is the headquarter of the Aguata Local Government Area and it is made up of the following towns; Akpo, Ekwulobia, Achina, Uga, Isuofia, Umuchu, Umuona, Nkpologwu, Ezinifite, Ikenga, Aguluezechukwu, Amesi, Igbo-Ukwu, Oraeri. The population of Aguata is estimated at 187,044.
Some of the notable people from Aguata are Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, Eucharia Okwunna, and Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Anambra State during Nigeria’s Third Republic. Their major economic activities are centered on cash crop farming. They are noted for the famous Nkpokiti Ije Enu Dance.
2. Anambra East LGA
Anambra East is one of the local governments in Anambra State and it is located in the town of Otuocha. Some of the towns that make up the area include Aguleri, Eziagulu Otu Aguleri, Mkpunando-Otu Aguleri, Nando, Igbariam, Umuoba Anam, Umueri, and Nsugbe. Anambra East is rich in unexplored oil and gas found mostly on the bank of Aguleri town.
The area has an estimated population of 204,113 inhabitants. Chief Willie Obiano, the former governor of Anambra State, Tony Nwoye, and Emeka Idu are the most notable people that originate from Anambra East local government.
3. Anambra West
With its headquarters domiciled at Nzam town, Anambra West comprises several towns and villages such as Mmiata Anam, Umuenwelum Anam, Oroma-Etiti, Umueze Anam, Umuikwu Anam, Ukwalla, Inoma-Akator, Igbedor, Odekpe, and Iyiora Anam. The people of Anambra West are of the Igbo subgroup known as Omambala.
They are rich in crude oil and natural gas and are also known for their farming activities. Anambra West local government is regarded as the food basket of Anambra state. The estimated population of the inhabitants is 166,744.
4. Anaocha LGA
One of the 21 local government areas in Anambra State, Anaocha has its headquarters in the town of Neni. Aguluzigbo, Akwaeze, Agulu, Ichida, Adazi-Enu, Adazi-Ani, Adazi-Nnukwu, Nri, and Obeledu make up the local government. Agriculture and wood processing are the major economic activities in the area.
With a 40 sq mi (104 km2) land size, Anaocha local government houses over 1.3 million people. Emeka Nwokedi, a conductor and music director is a celebrity native of Anaocha.
5. Awka North
Awka North local government has its headquarters in Achalla town and comprises other towns like Awba Ofemili, Amanuke, Ugbene, Ebenebe, Urum, Amansea, Isu Aniocha, Ugbenu, and Mgbakwu. While agriculture is an important economic feature in the area, the inhabitants also engage in fishing and trading.
The population of the Awka North local government area is pegged at 124,850 inhabitants. The area houses some landmarks such as the Iyi-Enu hospital.
6. Awka South
Awka south is one of the local governments in Anambra State and is made up of nine towns which are Amawbia, Okpuno, Awka, Ezinato, Nibo, Nise, Isiagu, Mbaukwu, and Umuawulu. With its headquarters in Amawbia, Agriculture is an important economy of the inhabitants of Awka South LGA with a focus on crops like maize, rice, and cassava.
In the past, the people of Awka South are notable for blacksmithing but today, they are more respected for their business and technical skills. With an estimated population of 189,049 inhabitants, the LGA has been well-developed, housing landmarks such as the Anambra State Governor’s lodge, the WAEC state headquarters, and the Anambra state prisons.
7. Ayamelum LGA
Situated between Enugu state and Anambra state, Ayamelum local government is well known for food production. The area comprises towns and villages such as Ifite Ogwari, Igbakwu, Omor, Umueje, Omasi, Umumbo, Anaku, and Umuerum.
Ayamelum is also known for its fertile land which they use in commercial agricultural activities and one of the towns, Omor is specifically notable for rice production. The population of the LGA is estimated at 121,855 inhabitants
8. Dunukofia LGA
The headquarters of Dunukofia is situated in the town of Ukpo and it shares boundaries with Awka North, Njikoka, Idemili North, and Oyi Local Governments. Some of the towns that made it up are Ifitedunu, Umunnachi, Dunukofia, Ukwulu, Umudioka, and Nawgu. Dunukofia is one of the most accessible local government areas in Anambra State and farming is their major occupation.
The population of the area’s inhabitants is estimated at 162,088. Some of the area’s prominent natives are Prince Arthur Eze (Ozoigbondu), Charles Oramulu Onwuche, and Hon Sir Chukuwudi Okeke. The significant landmarks in Dunukofia LGA are the General Hospitals in Ifitedunu and Ukpo.
9. Ekwusigo LGA
Ekwusigo local government is headquartered in Ozubulu and fishing and trading are their major economic engagements. The following are some of the towns that make up the local government; Oraifite, Ozubulu, Ihembosi, Ichi, Ubulu uku, Ubulu uno, and Omambara. Ekwusigo is known for its popular New yam festival and the Uzoiyi festival.
The local government has an estimated population of 172,644. Sir Emeka Offor and Azuka Okwuosa, the former Anambra State Commissioner for Transport and Works are notable people in Ekwusigo LGA.
10. Idemili North
Idemili North is one of the 21 local governments in Anambra State. It has its headquarters in Ogidi and shares borders with Oyi, Njikoka, Dunukofia, Anaocha, and Onitsha South LGAs. Towns that makeup Idemili LGA include Umuoji, Obosi, Abatete, Uke, Nkpor, Abacha, Ideani, Eziowelle, Oraukwu, and Ogidi.
The local government houses an estimated 162,808 inhabitants and farming and craftsmanship are known to be their important economic features. However, Idemili North is also a trade hub with the area hosting various markets including the building materials
11. Idemili South
Idemili South is a local government area in Anambra State and it is headquartered in Ojoto secretariate. Other towns that make it up are Akwu-Ukwu, Alor, Ojoto, Awka-Etiti, Oba, Nnokwa, Ununnachi, and Nnobi The people of Idemili are mostly traders and farmers with crops such as yam, rice, and vegetables. The estimated population of Idemili South inhabitants is put at 159,631
12. Ihiala LGA
Ihiala town is the headquarters of the Ihiala local government area and the largest city in the local government. Farming is the key economic activity in Ihiala local government but it also has a vibrant trade sector. With an estimated population of 183,077 inhabitants, the area comprises the following towns; Uli, Amorka, Ubuluisuzor, Azia, Lilu, Mbosi, Okija, Isseke, and Orsumoghu.
Ihiala Local government area is home to several notable people including Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, former Anambra governor, Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace Airlines, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Odera Olivia Orji, Ifeanyi Chudy Momah, and others.
13. Njikoka LGA
Njikoka is known for its active trade sector and the popular Enugwu-Agidi International Timber Market. With its headquarters in Abagana, the area comprises several towns and villages such as Abagana, Ifite-ani, Enugwu-Agidi, Enugwu-ukwu, Nimo, Nawfia, Umuriam-Nawfia, and Abba town.The population of Njikoka LGA is estimated at 218,744 inhabitants. The area host several relaxation spots, hotels, and industries.
14. Nnewi North
Nnewi town is the headquarters of the Nnewi North local government area. Nnewi is the only town in the LGA but consists of other four villages (sub-towns) which are Otolo, Umudim, Uruagu, and Nnewi-Ichi. Nnewi North is an industrialized area that houses several manufacturing companies that produce a wide variety of products and commodities.
The area houses about 241,713 people. Ebele Ofunneamaka Okeke, Joseph Egemonye, Nwabueze Emenike, Chief Charles Ages Okeke are some of the prominent natives ofNnewi North local government of Anambra State.
15. Nnewi South
Nnewi South is one of the local governments in Anambra State and it has its headquarters situated in the town of Ukpo. Towns that make up Nnewi South include Akwaihedi, Osumenyi, Amichi, Azigbo, Ebenator Ozulogu, Unubi Ekwulumili, Utuh, and Ezinifite. A notable landmark in the area is the Unubi Microfinance Bank Limited and several hotels and relaxation spots.
Nnewi South with an estimated population of 218,717 occupants is home to the following notable personalities; Ambassador Ifeanyichukwu Ifedi, late Oliver De Coque, and Ifedi Okwenna. The local government is an industrialised setting where trade flourishes. It also hosts several manudfcturing companies that produce a variety of products.
16. Ogbaru LGA
Umunankwo, Obeagwe, Okpoko, Oluta, Atani, Ochuche, Odekpe, and Umuzu are some of the towns that fall under the jurisdiction of the Ogbaru local government and it is headquartered in the port city of Atani. Ogbaru LGA shares borders with parts of Rivers and Delta states. The people of Ogbaru are known for fishing as their rivers and streams are rich in seafood.
17. Onitsha North
Onitsha is the headquarters of the Onitsha North local government area. The Local government comprises several streets and districts including Odakpu, Woliwo Layout, Anatogu Street, Old market road, Old and New Cemetry, Oguta road, Nkpor, Limca road, Niger Bridge Layout, etc. The estimated population of the area is put 281,543.
Trade is the major feature of the economy of Onitsha North with the area hosting several markets such as the famous Onitsha main market which is arguably the largest market in the whole of West Africa. The area also hosts assorted financial institutions, relaxation spots, hotels, and industries.
18. Onitsha South
The city of Onitsha is the only town in both Onitsha South and Onitsha North local government area. Onitsha South is predominantly a commercial city with its headquarters in Fegge. Other villages and streets that make up the area are Ojukwu gateway, Modebe, Upper Iweka, Arondizuogu Street, Zik Avenue, Ozomagala road, Port Harcourt road, and Niger Street.
Similar with Onitsha North, Trade is the key economic activity in Onitsha South with the area housing the popular Ochanja market which attracts thousands of buyers and sellers from different parts of the country. The area”s population is estimated at 213,894.
19. Orumba North
One of the 21 local governments in Anambra State, Orumba North has its headquarters in Ajali. The area, with an estimated population of 253,120 inhabitants is made up of 16 major towns and some of them are; Ndikelionwu, Akpu, Awa, Ndiokpalaeke, Ajalli, Ufuma, Amaetiti, Nanka, Ndiokolo, Amaokpala, Okpoeze, Ndiowu, Awgbu, Oko, Ndiukwuenu, and Omogho.
Professor Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Vice-president of Nigeria, Professor Humphrey Nwosu, and Chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON) are noteworthy natives of Orumba North local government area.
A rare occupation indulged in by the people of Orumba North LGA is beauty treatment and animal rearing. Their land is fertile for agriculture with prominent products such as rice, and palm oil. A key landmark in the area is the Federal Polytechnic Oko.
20. Orumba South
Umunze is the headquarters of Orumba south. It has 183,447 inhabitants and is made up of the following towns and communities; Umuomaku, Akpujiogu (Akpu), Eziagu, Ihite, Ezira, Nkerehi, Ogboji, Nawfija, Ogbunka, Agbudu, Onneh, Owerre-Ezukala, Isulo, and Enugwu-Umuonyia.
Godwin Maduka, founder and CEO of Las Vegas Pain Institute and Medical Center in the US, Actress Paschaline Alex Okoli, and Ben Nwankwo are some of the notable people from Orumba South LGA. Agriculture is the basic economic activity of the people of Orumba with crops such as cocoyam and cassava grown in large quantities.
21. Oyi LGA
Oyi LGA is headquartered in the town of Nteje and consists of the following town Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Umunya, Awkuzu, Umuneba, Ogbunike, and Nteje. Oyi is known for economic activities such as hunting, fishing, and growing crops such as rice, breadfruits, etc.
Notable natives of Oyi LGA include the famous actor, Pete Edochie, Ngozi Ezeonu, Rt. Hon. Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, and Cyprian Ekwensi, MFR. The Ogbunike cave is a popular landmark in the local government.
Which LGA is the Largest in Anambra State?
As reported by the National Population Commission in 2006, Anambra West local government is the largest LGA in Anambra State in terms of land mass. This is due to its vast land space that houses several towns and villages.
Recap of all the 21 Local Governments in Anambra State and Their Headquarters
S/N | Local Governments (LGA) | Headquarters |
1. | Aguata | Aguata |
2. | Anambra East | Otuocha |
3. | Anambra West | Nzam |
4. | Anaocha | Neni |
5. | Awka North | Achalla |
6. | Awka South | Awka |
7. | Ayamelum | Anaku |
8. | Dunukofia | Ukpo |
9. | Ekwusigo | Ozubulu |
10. | Idemili North | Ogidi |
11. | Idemili South | Ojoto |
12. | Ihiala | Ihiala |
13. | Njikoka | Abagana |
14. | Nnewi North | Nnewi |
15. | Nnewi South | Ukpo |
16. | Ogbaru | Atani |
17. | Onitsha North | Onitsha |
18. | Onitsha South | Fegge |
19. | Orumba North | Ajali |
20. | Orumba South | Umunze |
21. | Oyi | Atani |