You’ve probably heard of Imo State, but how much do you really know about this southeastern state? With 27 local government areas, Imo State is one of the most divided states in the country when it comes to local administration.
In this article, we’ll give you an overview of all 27 LGAs in Imo State, from Aboh Mbaise to Owerri North. We’ll share some quick facts about each area, like population, land area, major towns, and more. This guide will help you get better acquainted with the diverse communities that make up the Heartland State. So get ready to learn all about the local government areas that form the building blocks of Imo State!
An Overview of Imo State, Nigeria
Imo State is situated in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It covers an area of around 5,530 square km, making it a relatively small state by Nigerian standards. But what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in natural beauty and cultural richness.
Imo is considered the heartland of the Igbo people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria. Their language, traditions, and way of life are deeply ingrained in the state’s identity. From vibrant masquerade festivals to intricate arts and crafts, Imo offers an immersive experience of Igbo culture.
While agriculture remains a backbone, industries like palm oil production, mining, and manufacturing are driving Imo’s economy forward. The state is also renowned for its skilled artisans, especially in wood carving and textile weaving. With a young, ambitious population, Imo is poised for even greater economic growth.
Imo State Demographics
Imo State has an estimated population of around 5 million people as of 2024. The largest ethnic group are the Igbos, making up over 95% of the state’s population. Other minority groups include the Hausas, Yorubas and Ibibios.
The state has a relatively young population, with a median age of around 24 years old. Over 40% of residents are under the age of 15. Only about 4% are aged 65 and above. While Imo is one of the most densely populated states in Nigeria, the majority (around 60%) still live in rural areas. The capital, Owerri, and cities like Orlu and Okigwe are the main urban centers.
Poverty rates in Imo are high, with over 50% living below the national poverty line. However, income inequality is relatively low compared to other Nigerian states. The main economic activities are agriculture, trading and public-sector employment.
History and Origin of Imo State
Imo State has a rich history dating back centuries. The region was originally inhabited by the Igbo people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa. They established numerous towns and villages, each with its own unique traditions and customs.
In the late 19th century, the British arrived and annexed the area as part of their colonial empire. This had a profound impact on the local population, introducing new systems of governance and infrastructure. However, the resilient Igbo culture endured.
After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the region underwent several reorganizations. Finally, in February 1976, the area was carved out as a distinct state called Imo, taking its name from the Imo River that flows through its heart. This marked a new era of self-governance and identity for the people.
How Many Local Government Areas Are in Imo State?
Imo State, located in the southeast region of Nigeria, is administratively divided into 27 local government areas (LGAs). These LGAs serve as the third tier of government after the federal and state levels, responsible for grassroots governance and community development.
The 27 LGAs in Imo State are evenly distributed across the three senatorial zones: Imo North (Okigwe zone), Imo East (Owerri zone), and Imo West (Orlu zone). This division ensures fair representation and resource allocation throughout the state’s diverse regions.
With 27 LGAs, Imo State’s local administration is well-structured to address the unique needs of its communities. This decentralized system brings governance closer to the people, fostering participatory development and efficient service delivery.
The 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State
As you explore the diverse landscapes of Imo State, you’ll encounter a tapestry of 27 local government areas, each with its unique charm and character.
- Aboh Mbaise
- Ahiazu Mbaise
- Ehime Mbano
- Ezinihitte Mbaise
- Ideato North
- Ideato South
- Ihitte/Uboma
- Ikeduru
- Isiala Mbano
- Isu
- Mbaitoli
- Ngor Okpala
- Njaba
- Nkwerre
- Nwangele
- Obowo
- Oguta
- Ohaji/Egbema
- Okigwe
- Onuimo
- Orlu
- Orsu
- Oru East
- Oru West
- Owerri Municipal
- Owerri North
- Owerri West
From bustling urban centers to tranquil rural havens, these local government areas paint a vibrant picture of Imo’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking the pulse of city life or a serene escape into nature’s embrace, there’s a perfect fit for every taste.
Overview of the Local Government Areas in Imo State
Get ready to embark on a journey through the heart of Imo, where each local government area holds a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. From the ancient wonders of Ngor Okpala to the thriving markets of Owerri Municipal, every corner of this state promises an unforgettable adventure.
Aboh Mbaise
Aboh Mbaise is a lush, rural area with fertile farmlands. Its major town is Uvuru, which is known for its busy markets that sell yams, cassava, and palm produce. Other towns in Aboh Mbajss include Nguru, Mbutu, Okwuato, and Lorji. The population is around 180,000, with most residents working as farmers or traders. Its headquarters is in the town of Aboh. It has an area of 184 km2. The postal code of the area is 462001.
Ahiazu Mbaise
This densely populated area has over 250,000 people concentrated in small towns and villages. Its headquarters are in the town of Afo oru. Ahiazu is a big town with lively markets, and it is known for its traditional weavers. The landscape is hilly, with pockets of forests. There are fourteen (14) towns that make up Ahiazu Mbaise. They include; Mpam, Ihitte Afor, Opara-Nadim, Akabor, Ogwuama/Amuzi, Obodo-Ujichi, Otulu/Aguneze, Umu-OKrika, Obohia, Ekwereazu, Obodo-Ahiara, Lude/Nnara-Mbia, Ogbe, Oru – Ahiara. Ahiazu Mbaise has an area of 114 km2. The postal code of the area is 463.
Ehime Mbano
A commercial hub with about 220,000 residents. Major towns include Ehime, Umueze, and Uvuru Mbano, thriving trading centers for agricultural goods like yams and cassava. The people are predominantly Igbo farmers and traders. Its headquarters is located in the town of Umuelemai; the postal code of the area is 472.
Ezinihitte Mbaise
Home to around 150,000 people living in rural communities surrounded by lush greenery. Ezinihitte is one of the largest towns, with vibrant markets selling local handicrafts like wood carvings. Its headquarters is in Itu. Some of the towns and villages in Ezinihitte Mbaise are Achi, Afor, Anaga, Isiama, Otutu, and Obibo.
Ideato North
Ideato North’s administrative headquarters is in Urualla. This area of over 200,000 residents has Arondizuogu as its biggest urban center. Other major towns are Akokwa and Osina, which are known markets for farm produce like cassava, yams, and vegetables from surrounding villages.
Owerri North
Owerri North has an area of 198 square km and a population of 175,395 at the 2006 census. Its headquarters is located in Orie Utata town. The postal code of the area is 460. Owerri North centers around the town of Avu. Its fertile farmlands produce crops like yams and cassava. Major towns include Ugwuagbu and Ubohaji.
Owerri West
Owerri West headquarters is in the town of Umuguma. It is anchored by Nekede and Ihiagwa towns. It’s home to the Federal University of Technology and several industries. With over 200,000 people, it’s one of Imo’s most populated LGAs. It has an area of 295 km2 (114 sq mi).
Ideato South
Ideato South LGA covers an area of 88 sq km, with its headquarters at Dikenafai. It’s home to around 180,000 people across towns like Obile, Aku, and Arondizogu. Key industries are farming, fishing and trading. The postal code of the area is 475.
Ihitte/Uboma
This LGA has its capital at Isinweke and a population of over 120,000. Major towns include Isiekenesi, Ubulu, Ihitte, Amato, and Umuanunu. Agriculture is the mainstay, with crops like yam, cassava and vegetables. It has an area of 104 km2.
Ikeduru
Ikeduru has its headquarters at Iho (Ihuo). It covers 1,179/km² with a population of roughly 250,000. Other notable towns are Amaimo, Abazu, Akabo, Amakohia, Owu Amakohia, Amatta, Avuvu, and Amato. Trading and farming are economic backbones.
Isiala Mbano
This LGA’s headquarters is in the town of Umuelemai, and it has around 200,000 residents. The postal code of the area is 471. Major towns include Umuelemai, Umuduruehie, Umuelejiaku, Amukwuru, and Okwudor. Key economic sectors are agriculture and commerce.
Isu
With its capital at Umundugba, Isu LGA has a landmass of 40 sq km inhabited by over 190,000 people across towns like Amandugba, Ekwe, Uburu Ekwe, Isunjaba, Amurie Omanze, Ebenator Ekwe and Oboro Amurie. Agriculture and handicrafts are important income sources.
Mbaitoli
Mbaitoli is a local government area in Imo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in the town of Nwaorieubi (or Nworieubi). With a population of over 320,000 people, it’s one of the more densely populated LGAs. Mbaitoli is divided into 9 autonomous communities with 12 INEC wards. Major towns include Eziama-Obiato, Mbieri, Ifakala and Ubomiri.
Ngor Okpala
This LGA has its headquarters in the town of Umuneke Ngor. It has an area of 561 km2. Key demographics show a mostly rural population of around 150,000 residents. Aside from Umuneke, other major towns are Oburu, Obokwe, Eziama, Ohekelem, Nnorie, Umuhu, Ihite-Okwe, Obike, Elelem, Umuohiagu, Imerienwe, Nguru-Umuaro, Orishieze, and Upe.
Njaba
Njaba LGA is headquartered in the town of Nnenasa. It has an area of 84 km2. It has an estimated population of 180,000 people across towns like Umaka, Achara, Amafor, Amainyi, Ibele, Amakor, Isiozi, Obeakpu, Ogbelle, Uba, Umele, Ukwudo, Abazu, Umuewi, Umudirogha, Umuelem, Umuneke, Umuofeke, Umuokwara, Umuseke, Amucha, Aguwa, Duriaku, Duruewuru, Duroboaku, Duruigwe, and Ebeasaa. The postal code of the area is 474.
Nkwerre
With its capital at Uda Nkwerre, this LGA is home to around 80,270 residents. It has an area of 38.447 km. Major towns and villages in Nkwerre include Amaigbo, Nnanano, Nnanato, Obinocha, Obinuhu, and Onusa. The postal code of the local government area is 471.
Nwangele
Nwangele LGA’s name was derived from the popular Nwangele River, which marks the boundary between Amaigbo and Umuozu Isu. Nwangele’s headquarters is in Amaigbo. Its population hovers around 190,000 across areas like Abajah, Amaigbo, Umunakara, Umuozu, Dim Na Nume, Umudurunna Abba, Ogwuaga Abba, Ekitiafor Abba, and Umuopara Abba. The postal code of the area is 471.
Obowo
Obowo is a local government area in Imo State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is located in Isi Nweke, with a population of around 200,000. There are twenty-two autonomous communities in the Obowo Local Government Area, which include Achara, Amanze, Umuariam, Umunachi, Umuagu, and Ehume.
Oguta
Oguta LGA has its headquarters in the city of Oguta. It has an estimated population of over 190,000 residents. The LGA covers an area of about 197 square kilometres. Major towns here include Oguta, Egbuoma, Iheorji, Ohaji, and Osemoto.
Ohaji/Egbema
Ohaji/Egbema LGA is headquartered in Mmahu-Egbema. Some key demographics, it has a population of roughly 250,000, with major towns like Egbema, Umuagwo, Oloshi, Umunkwaku, Obile, Obitti, Mgbirichi/Alakuru, Opuoma, Assa, and Awarra. The postal code of the area is 464.
Okigwe
Okigwe is the third largest city in Imo state in Nigeria after Owerri and Orlu. Its LGA is headquartered in Okigwe town. It’s one of the more populous areas with over 300,000 residents. Other major towns are Otan-Chara, Ezinachi, Umulolo, Ihube, and Otanzu.
Onuimo
Headquartered in Okwe, Onuimo has a population of around 150,000. It comprises four towns: Okwe, Okwelle, Umuduru-Egbeaguru and Umuna. It has a land area of 34 sq mi (87 km2). The postal code of the area is 470.
Orlu
Orlu is one of the major local government areas in Imo State, located in the Orlu Senatorial Zone. Its headquarters is in Orlu Town. With a population of over 420,000, it is the second-largest city in the South East, Imo State, Nigeria. The city houses the Nigerian headquarters of the British Cheshire Home. It is the second most developed city after Owerri in Imo state. Orlu Local Government Area consists of over thirty-three autonomous communities. They include towns like Alaoma, Oweere-Ebeiri, Amaifeke, Eziachi, and Obibi-Ochasi.
Orsu
Heading northeast from Orlu, you’ll find Orsu LGA, with its capital at Awo-Omamma. It has a more rural landscape dotted with farming communities like Ihitenansa, Amaruru, Amazu, Amaebu, Amannachi, Awo-Idemili, and Asaa Ubirielem. The area is known for its palm oil and cassava production. The estimated total population of Orsu LGA is 194,223.
Oru East
Oru East shares borders with Orlu and has its headquarters at Omuma. Major towns include Akatta, Akuma, Amagu, Amiri, Awo-Omamma, and Omuma. It’s an agricultural hub famed for its yam and cassava cultivation. It has an estimated population of 195,743 (2006 census) and an area of 136 km2 (53 sq mi).
Oru West
Oru East is headquartered in the town of Mgbidi. It has an area of 93 km2 (36 sq mi) and a population of 159,300. The postal code of the area is 474. Notable areas in Oru West are Aji, Ibiaso Egbe, Isseke, Mgbidi, Ohakpu, Omuma, Otulu, and Ozara. Besides farming, it has a thriving cottage industry producing household items.
Owerri Municipal
As the name suggests, Owerri Municipal covers the city of Owerri, the capital of Imo State. From the vibrant markets to the government buildings, this densely populated area is the commercial nerve center of the state. As the capital city, Owerri Municipal is the heartbeat of Imo. Its headquarters lies in the lively Owerri township. With over 150,000 residents, it’s a bustling metropolis teeming with vibrant markets, modern amenities and historical sites. It has an area of 58 km². Owerri Municipal is made up of these villages: Umuororonjo, Amawom, Umuonyeche, Umuodu and Umuoyima. The postal code of the area is 460.
Conclusion
And there you have it, the 27 local government areas that makeup Imo State. From the more urban areas like Owerri Municipal to the rural communities like Ezinihitte Mbaise, each LGA has its own unique culture and local attractions. Whether you’re looking to experience city life or get back to your roots in a traditional village setting, Imo State offers something for everyone. With so much diversity across these LGAs, a visit to Imo is guaranteed to be an adventure. So, next time you’re looking to explore an authentic part of Nigeria, be sure to check out one of the incredible local government areas in Imo State.