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Ebonyi

“Salt of the Nation”

Capital Abakaliki
Zone South East
LGAs 13
Population 3,200,000
2026 Budget ₦884.9B
🏠 13 LGAs 📄 Budget 🕐 History 🏂 Tribes 📍 Postal Codes

About Ebonyi

Ebonyi State is located in the South-East region of Nigeria. It is known as the "Salt of the Nation" due to its large salt deposits and rich mineral resources. The state has grown steadily in agriculture, infrastructure, and education since its creation in 1996.
Historical Background
The territory that today constitutes Ebonyi State was inhabited from ancient times by several distinct Igbo-speaking groups whose identities, governance systems and cultural practices developed independently over many centuries. The major peoples of the region — the Ezza, Izzi,… Read full history →

Explore Ebonyi State

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13 LGAs
Local Govts
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State Budget
2026: ₦884.9B
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State History
Created 1996
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Tribes
Ethnic groups
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State Map
Interactive map
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Postal Codes
All LGA codes
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Officials
Governor & reps
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Elections
Gov election history

Quick Facts — Ebonyi

Official nameEbonyi
Capital city Abakaliki
Slogan / MottoSalt of the Nation
Geo-political zone South East
Local govt areas 13 LGAs →
Population (census) 3,200,000
Population density 496 / km²
Total area 6,450 km²
First governor Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu
2026 budget ₦884.9B →

Frequently Asked Questions — Ebonyi

The capital city of Ebonyi State is Abakaliki. It is the seat of the Ebonyi State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Ebonyi State has 13 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, Ebonyi State has a population of 3,200,000. The state capital Abakaliki is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 496 persons per km².
Ebonyi 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.
Ebonyi State was created in 1996. The first governor was Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu. Learn more on the Ebonyi State History page.
The Ebonyi State budget for 2026 is ₦884.9B. See the full breakdown on the Ebonyi State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Ebonyi State covers a total land area of 6,450 km². With a population density of 496 people per km².

Economy of Ebonyi

The economy of Ebonyi State is largely driven by agriculture, especially rice production, yam, cassava, and palm oil. The state is also known for salt mining in areas such as Okposi and Uburu.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Approximately 3 million people. The state is predominantly Igbo, with strong cultural traditions and community-based living.
3,200,000
Population
6,450
Area km²
496
Per km²
13
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Ebonyi

Ebonyi State is rich in cultural heritage, traditional festivals, and natural salt lakes. Popular attractions include the Okposi Salt Lakes, Uburu Salt Lakes, and various cultural festivals celebrated across communities.

Local Government Areas in Ebonyi

13 LGAs

Abakaliki
HQ: Abakaliki
282,947
Population

Contains Abakaliki, the state capital of Ebonyi. Known for rice farming, lead-zinc mining and state institutions.

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Afikpo North
HQ: Afikpo
182,000
Population

Home to the famous Afikpo masquerade and the Ehugbo people. Known for yam, cassava and cultural tourism.

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Afikpo South
HQ: Edda
136,000
Population

Known for the Edda clan and yam farming. Important agricultural LGA bordering Cross River State.

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Ebonyi
HQ: Onueke
138,000
Population

Known for rice farming, cassava and the Onueke commercial market. Agricultural heartland of Ebonyi.

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Ezza North
HQ: Oguta
140,000
Population

Known for the Ezza people and their farming traditions. Yam, cassava and rice are main crops.

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Ezza South
HQ: Ikwo
150,000
Population

Predominantly Ezza-Ikwo people. Known for yam and rice farming in northern Ebonyi.

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Ikwo
HQ: Ikwo
180,000
Population

Largest LGA in Ebonyi by population. Known for the Ikwo people and extensive rice and yam cultivation.

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Ishielu
HQ: Ishielu
145,000
Population

Known for lead-zinc mining and agriculture. Borders Enugu and Benue States in northern Ebonyi.

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Ivo
HQ: Ivo
105,000
Population

Known for cocoa, palm oil and the Ivo people cultural heritage bordering Cross River.

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Izzi
HQ: Izzi
190,000
Population

Known for the Izzi people and their crafts. Rice, yam and cassava are major agricultural products.

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Ohaozara
HQ: Uburu
122,000
Population

Known for Uburu Salt Lake, a historic natural resource site. Palm oil and cassava are major products.

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Ohaukwu
HQ: Ohaukwu
147,000
Population

Known for the Ohaukwu people and yam farming. Important LGA bordering Benue State.

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Onicha
HQ: Onicha
117,000
Population

Known for rice farming and the Onicha people. Growing commercial activities along Abakaliki-Enugu corridor.

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History of Ebonyi State

The territory that today constitutes Ebonyi State was inhabited from ancient times by several distinct Igbo-speaking groups whose identities, governance systems and cultural practices developed independently over many centuries. The major peoples of the region — the Ezza, Izzi, Ikwo, Mgbo, Effium, E…
Historical Kingdoms: Ezza kingdom, Izzi chieftaincies, Ikwo communities, Afikpo kingdom, Ohaozara communities
🕐 Read Full History of Ebonyi →

2026 Appropriation

₦884.9B
Total Budget — Ebonyi State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Ebonyi State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Ebonyi State under Governor Francis Nwifuru totals ₦884.9B. 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 Ebonyi State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →