The South East States in Nigeria are the states that occupy the eastern geo-political zone of the country. Dominated by the Igbo tribe, the geopolitical zone is believed to be the home of the most industrious group of people in Nigeria. The region is believed to be the most politically marginalized and oppressed in the country since the Biafran war.
The South Eastern States in Nigeria are five in number; Imo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi States. Here is a look at all the states in the region.
A Complete List Of South East States in Nigeria
1. Abia State
- Capital: Umuahia
- Founded: 27 August 1991
- Area: 6,320 km²
- Population: over 4,112,230
- Current Governor: Okezie Ikpeazu (PDP)
Abia state is considered to be one of the most important states in South-Eastern Nigeria. Founded in 1991, the State has a population of over 4 million and it is the largest state in the region only after Enugu state.
Although the capital of the state is Umuahia, the major commercial city is Aba which used to be the outpost of the British Colonia government in the region. In addition to this, Aba is considered to be one of the most populated areas of the country.
The state is blessed to be one of the most industrial states in Nigeria. It has textile companies as well as firms that are into the different manufacturing businesses. Film production is another thing that this state is known for. The state has a vibrant non-oil economy through agriculture as it is important in the production of palm oil, cassava, and cocoa among other things.
The state is among the oil-producing states in Nigeria. It is reported that Abia has as much as 142 oil wells in different communities that produce as much as 36,000 barrels of crude oil.
As regards the Human Development Index, which is the basis that development is defined, Abia with an HDI of 0.640 is considered to be as developed as the FCT as both of the states have the same HDI, making the 8th most developed state in the country. With that, Abia is the second most developed state in the South East, only after Anambra.
Local governments of Abia State
Arochukwu, Ini, Obi Ngwa, Umuahia South, Umuahia North, Ikwuano, Isiukwato, Ukwa West, Aba South, Aba North, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa South, Obingwa, Umunneochi, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East
2. Anambra State
- Capital: Awka
- Founded: 1976
- Area: 4,844 km2
- Population: over 6,358,311
- Current Governor: Willie Obiano
Anambra State is another economic hub in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. With a size of 4,844 Km2, Anambra is the smallest state in Nigeria except for Lagos. It was founded in 1976 and has continued to experience rapid growth in its population as it currently has an estimated population of 11 million residents which makes it the eighth-most populous state in Nigeria.
Like most states in the southern part of the country, Anambra is blessed with different natural resources including crude oil, natural gas, and ceramic. It also has rich soil for agriculture. Unsurprisingly, Anambra has the lowest poverty rate in the whole of Nigeria which is thanks to the industrious nature of the people and the many businesses and establishments in the state as a whole, and Onitsha which is seen as one of the most urbanized places in the country. Anambra is also home to the headquarters of the first automobile manufacturer in Nigeria, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing which was founded in 2007.
Looking at the HDI of Anambra state, it is the third most developed state in Nigeria with an HDI of 0.656. The only two states more developed than Anambra are Lagos and Ogun.
Local governments of Anambra State
Aguata, Awka North, Awka South, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Ayamelum, Dunukofia, Ekwusigo, Idemili North, Idemili South, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North, Orumba South, Oyi
3. Ebonyi State
- Capital: Abakaliki
- Founded: 1 October 1996
- Area: 5,533 km2
- Population: Over 3,490,383
- Current Governor: David Nweze Umahi
Among the other South East States in Nigeria, Ebonyi is considered to be the least developed in the region with an HDI of 0.567, making it the 20th most developed state in the country. One of the smallest states in the country, it has a population of close to 3.5 million. It was founded on 1 October 1996 and has its capital as Abakaliki.
When it comes to the economy of the state, it is significant for its agricultural practices. Ebonyi is one of the most important states in the South in the production of rice, yam, and cassava among other things. Because of the size of the state, it does not have so many mining sites but it is still blessed with several natural resources such as crude oil.
Local governments of Ebonyi State
Abakaliki, Afikpo North, Afikpo South (Edda), Ebonyi, Ezza North, Ezza South, Ikwo, Ishielu, Ivo, Izzi, Ohaozara, Ohaukwu, Onicha
4. Enugu State
- Capital: Enugu
- Founded: 27 August 1991
- Area: 7,161 km2
- Population: Over 3,267,837
- Current Governor: Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Enugu is one of the most important South East States in Nigeria. It has a population of close to 4.5 million people. It has its capital in Enugu and was founded on 27 August 1991 and with a size of 7.161 km2, it is the biggest state in the southeast.
Before it became a state, Enugu was once the capital of the Southern Provinces and then it became the capital of the Eastern Region. Following the declaration of Biafra in 1967, Enugu was adopted as the capital of the now-defunct republic. With an HDI of 0.634, Enugu is the 10th most developed state in Nigeria.
Enugu is also involved in agriculture and trading like other states in the sub-region.
Local governments of Enugu State
Aninri, Awgu, Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Ezeagu, Igbo Etiti, Igbo Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Isi Uzo, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Nsukka, Oji River, Udenu, Udi, Uzo-Uwani
See Also: Oil Producing States In Nigeria: List of All The States With Oil In Nigeria
5. Imo State
- Capital: Owerri
- Founded: 3 February 1976
- Area: 5,530 km2
- Population: Over 4,978,758
- Current Governor: Hope Uzodinma
Imo state is one of the smallest states in Nigeria, only larger than Anambra state and Lagos. Founded on 3 February 1976, Imo state is considered to be among the most developed states in Nigeria judging by its 2018 HDI of 0.643, making it the fifth most developed state in Nigeria.
The state has Owerri which is also its capital as the industrial center. Although agriculture is the primary occupation of the people, the land has degraded over the years as a result of overpopulation and over-farming. Nonetheless, agriculture has continued to contribute significantly to the economy of the state.
Local governments of Imo State
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, Njaba South
