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Anambra

“Light of the Nation”

Capital Awka
Zone South East
LGAs 21
Population 5,520,000
2026 Budget ₦757.9B

About Anambra

Anambra State, known as the "Light of the Nation", is one of the most economically vibrant states in southeastern Nigeria. It is renowned for its strong entrepreneurial culture and strategic commercial cities like Onitsha and Nnewi.
Historical Background
The territory that constitutes modern Anambra State was among the most densely populated and culturally sophisticated regions of pre-colonial West Africa. The Igbo people who inhabit the area developed a distinctive form of social organisation — largely republican and acephalou… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Anambra

Official nameAnambra
Capital city Awka
Slogan / MottoLight of the Nation
Geo-political zone South East
Local govt areas 21 LGAs →
Population (census) 5,520,000
Population density 1,140 / km²
Total area 4,844 km²
First governor Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (civilian); Colonel Emeka Eze (military)
2026 budget ₦757.9B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Anambra

The capital city of Anambra State is Awka. It is the seat of the Anambra State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Anambra State has 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each LGA has its own elected council and chairman responsible for grassroots governance, primary education and community infrastructure.
According to the National Population Commission, Anambra State has a population of 5,520,000. The state capital Awka is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 1,140 persons per km².
Anambra State is in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The zone includes several other states and sends representatives to the Nigeria Governors' Forum and the National Assembly.
Anambra State was created in 1991. The first governor was Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (civilian); Colonel Emeka Eze (military). Learn more on the Anambra State History page.
The Anambra State budget for 2026 is ₦757.9B. See the full breakdown on the Anambra State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Anambra State covers a total land area of 4,844 km². With a population density of 1,140 people per km².

Economy of Anambra

The economy of Anambra is driven by commerce, industry, and agriculture. Onitsha Main Market is one of the largest markets in West Africa. Nnewi is a major industrial hub known for manufacturing and auto parts. Agriculture thrives with products like yam, rice, cassava, and palm produce.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 6 million people. The state is predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group and is known for its high literacy rate and strong diaspora influence.
5,520,000
Population
4,844
Area km²
1,140
Per km²
21
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Anambra

Anambra has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional festivals like Ofala and New Yam Festival. Major attractions include the famous Onitsha Main Market, Ogbunike Caves (a UNESCO heritage site), Agulu Lake, and the historic city of Nri, believed to be the cradle of Igbo civilization.

Local Government Areas in Anambra

21 LGAs

Aguata
HQ: Ekwulobia
236,591
Population

Known for commerce, the Ekwulobia market and Aguata people heritage in Anambra South.

Anambra East
HQ: Aguleri
147,957
Population

Riverine LGA along the Anambra River. Known for Aguleri-Umuleri history and fishing communities.

Anambra West
HQ: Nzam
89,756
Population

Niger River LGA known for fishing and subsistence farming. Remote communities with growing infrastructure.

Awka North
HQ: Awka
91,622
Population

Surrounds Awka, the state capital. Known for blacksmithing tradition of the Awka people.

Awka South
HQ: Awka
246,580
Population

Contains the heart of Awka, the state capital. Home to Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Government House.

Ayamelum
HQ: Omasi
113,635
Population

Riverine LGA along the River Niger, known for fishing, rice farming and the Omambala people.

Dunukofia
HQ: Ukpo
106,480
Population

Home to Ukpo, one of the richest communities in Anambra. Known for business families and modern real estate.

Ekwusigo
HQ: Ozubulu
123,565
Population

Known for the Ozubulu community and major catholic church. Commercial LGA with strong diaspora investment.

Idemili North
HQ: Ogidi
195,735
Population

Birthplace of Chinua Achebe. Home to Ogidi, historically significant in Igbo literary and cultural heritage.

Idemili South
HQ: Ojoto
132,187
Population

Known for Nnewi South communities and the growing manufacturing sector serving the Nnewi industrial cluster.

Ihiala
HQ: Ihiala
210,940
Population

Southern Anambra LGA bordering Imo State, known for agriculture and Ihiala people cultural identity.

Njikoka
HQ: Abagana
133,090
Population

Known for Abagana where Biafran forces ambushed a Nigerian convoy in 1968. Growing commercial activities.

Nnewi North
HQ: Nnewi
264,084
Population

Home to Nnewi, the Japan of Africa, a major auto parts manufacturing and trading hub.

Nnewi South
HQ: Nnewi
88,060
Population

Peri-urban LGA of the Nnewi metropolis, known for manufacturing, trading and residential development.

Ogbaru
HQ: Atani
217,781
Population

Riverine LGA on the Niger River, known for fishing, boat building and the Atani clay pots.

Ogbunike
HQ: Ogbunike
98,745
Population

Home to the famous Ogbunike Caves, a major pilgrimage site and tourist attraction.

Onitsha North
HQ: Onitsha
107,873
Population

Northern Onitsha, the commercial capital of Anambra. Home to the Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest in Africa.

Onitsha South
HQ: Onitsha
162,500
Population

Southern part of Onitsha metropolis. Major commercial zone with the Upper Iweka Road transport hub.

Orumba North
HQ: Ajalli
122,489
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam, cassava and palm oil. Home to the Orumba people with strong cultural festivals.

Orumba South
HQ: Uga
133,697
Population

Known for the famous Uga airport and agricultural activities. Growing commercial centre in southern Anambra.

Oyi
HQ: Nteje
127,085
Population

Located along the Oyi River. Known for rice farming, fishing and Nteje community business activities.

History of Anambra State

The territory that constitutes modern Anambra State was among the most densely populated and culturally sophisticated regions of pre-colonial West Africa. The Igbo people who inhabit the area developed a distinctive form of social organisation — largely republican and acephalous (without centralised…
Historical Kingdoms: Onitsha Kingdom, Arochukwu Confederacy (influence), Igbo Eze chieftaincies, Nri Kingdom (influence)
🕐 Read Full History of Anambra →

2026 Appropriation

₦757.9B
Total Budget — Anambra State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Anambra State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Anambra State under Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo totals ₦757.9B. The budget details include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), federal allocation (FAAC) and sector allocations covering education, health, infrastructure, security and agriculture.

See full budget details, sector allocations and year-on-year comparison →

Compare State Budgets

See how Anambra State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →