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Imo

“Land of Hope”

Capital Owerri
Zone South East
LGAs 27
Population 5,400,000
2026 Budget ₦1.44T

About Imo

Imo State is located in the South-East region of Nigeria and is known for its vibrant culture, strong academic presence, and fast-growing commercial activities. Its capital is Owerri, a major urban centre in the region.
Historical Background
The territory that makes up present-day Imo State was inhabited for several millennia before European contact, with archaeological evidence suggesting continuous human settlement along the Imo River basin dating back thousands of years. The dominant people of the region are the I… Read full history →

Quick Facts — Imo

Official nameImo
Capital city Owerri
Slogan / MottoLand of Hope
Geo-political zone South East
Local govt areas 27 LGAs →
Population (census) 5,400,000
Population density 976 / km²
Total area 5,530 km²
First governor Commander Ebitu Ukiwe
2026 budget ₦1.44T →

Frequently Asked Questions — Imo

The capital city of Imo State is Owerri. It is the seat of the Imo State Government, the governor's office and the state legislature.
Imo State has 27 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, Imo State has a population of 5,400,000. The state capital Owerri is the most populated urban centre. The population density is approximately 976 persons per km².
Imo 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.
Imo State was created in 1976. The first governor was Commander Ebitu Ukiwe. Learn more on the Imo State History page.
The Imo State budget for 2026 is ₦1.44T. See the full breakdown on the Imo State Budget page, including capital expenditure, IGR and sector allocations.
Imo State covers a total land area of 5,530 km². With a population density of 976 people per km².

Economy of Imo

The economy of Imo State is driven by agriculture, trade, oil and gas activities, small and medium enterprises, and a rapidly growing service sector. Owerri serves as a commercial and hospitality hub within the state.

Demographics & Geography

Population: Estimated at over 5 million people. The state is predominantly Igbo, with a strong emphasis on education, entrepreneurship, and diaspora engagement.
5,400,000
Population
5,530
Area km²
976
Per km²
27
LGAs

Culture & Tourism in Imo

Imo State is rich in Igbo cultural heritage, festivals, and traditions. Popular attractions include Oguta Lake, Nekede Zoo, Mbari Cultural Centre, and various annual cultural festivals held across the state.

Local Government Areas in Imo

27 LGAs

Aboh Mbaise
HQ: Aboh Mbaise
201,000
Population

Known for the Mbaise people, palm oil and cassava. Major agricultural LGA in central Imo State.

Ahiazu Mbaise
HQ: Ahiazu
178,000
Population

Known for the Ahiazu Mbaise communities and palm oil production. Agricultural LGA in central Imo.

Ehime Mbano
HQ: Ehime
142,000
Population

Known for yam and palm oil farming. Agricultural LGA in northern Imo bordering Anambra State.

Ezinihitte
HQ: Ezinihitte
121,000
Population

Known for palm oil, cassava and the Ezinihitte clan cultural heritage.

Ideato North
HQ: Urualla
126,000
Population

Known for yam farming and commercial activities in Urualla. Growing town between Imo and Anambra.

Ideato South
HQ: Dikenafai
109,000
Population

Agricultural LGA known for yam, cassava and palm oil. The Ideato South people have strong cultural ties.

Ihitte/Uboma
HQ: Isinweke
110,000
Population

Known for the Ihitte-Uboma people and palm oil farming in northern Imo.

Ikeduru
HQ: Ikeduru
188,000
Population

Known for palm oil and cassava farming. Peri-urban LGA adjacent to Owerri with growing commercial activities.

Isiala Mbano
HQ: Umunoha
188,000
Population

Known for the Isiala Mbano people and palm oil production. Important LGA in northern Imo.

Isu
HQ: Isu
101,000
Population

Small LGA known for palm oil and cassava farming by the Isu people.

Mbaitoli
HQ: Nwaorieubi
198,000
Population

Peri-urban LGA around Owerri, known for growing residential estates and commercial activities.

Ngor Okpala
HQ: Ngor Okpala
195,000
Population

Known for palm oil, cassava and the Ngor Okpala people. Agricultural LGA in eastern Imo.

Njaba
HQ: Nkume
89,000
Population

Small LGA along the Njaba River, known for fishing, palm oil and the Nkume communities.

Nkwerre
HQ: Nkwerre
108,000
Population

Known for the Nkwerre people and palm oil. Gateway LGA between Imo and Rivers States.

Nwangele
HQ: Onicha
100,000
Population

Known for palm oil, cassava and the Nwangele communities in eastern Imo State.

Obowo
HQ: Obowo
172,000
Population

Known for palm oil and cassava farming. The Obowo people have strong business networks.

Oguta
HQ: Oguta
139,000
Population

Known for the beautiful Oguta Lake, a major tourism site. Oil production and fishing are key activities.

Ohaji/Egbema
HQ: Mmahu
186,000
Population

Oil-rich LGA in western Imo, known for Shell operations, Imo River fishing and palm oil production.

Okigwe
HQ: Okigwe
158,000
Population

Known for Okigwe area Command and commercial activities. Important transportation hub in northern Imo.

Onuimo
HQ: Okwe
87,000
Population

Small LGA known for palm oil and cassava. The Onuimo people have growing diaspora business networks.

Orlu
HQ: Orlu
261,000
Population

Major commercial city in Imo. Known for the Orlu people, palm oil and key business between Imo and Anambra.

Orsu
HQ: Awo-Omamma
135,000
Population

Known for Awo-Omamma and palm oil production. Growing commercial LGA with strong diaspora investment.

Oru East
HQ: Omoku
153,000
Population

Known for oil production and the Omoku gas field. Rivers and Imo border LGA.

Oru West
HQ: Mgbidi
122,000
Population

Known for palm oil, cassava and the Mgbidi communities. Agricultural LGA in western Imo.

Owerri Municipal
HQ: Owerri
183,000
Population

Heart of Owerri, the Imo State capital. Home to Government House, major banks and commercial activity.

Owerri North
HQ: Owerri
197,000
Population

Northern Owerri suburbs with growing residential estates and commercial activities.

Owerri West
HQ: Owerri
205,000
Population

Western suburbs of Owerri. Home to Sam Mbakwe Airport and growing residential zones.

History of Imo State

The territory that makes up present-day Imo State was inhabited for several millennia before European contact, with archaeological evidence suggesting continuous human settlement along the Imo River basin dating back thousands of years. The dominant people of the region are the Igbo, one of the larg…
Historical Kingdoms: Aro Confederacy, Nri Kingdom influence, Orlu kingdom, Okigwe chieftaincies
🕐 Read Full History of Imo →

2026 Appropriation

₦1.44T
Total Budget — Imo State
📄 View Full Budget Breakdown →

Imo State Budget 2026

The 2026 budget for Imo State under Governor Hope Uzodinma totals ₦1.44T. 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 Imo State compares to all 36 states and FCT Abuja.

📄 Nigeria State Budgets — All 37 States →