Anambra State, located in Nigeria’s southeastern region, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and economic dynamism. Recognized communities towns in Anambra State are 179 officially, each with its own unique identity, history, and governance structure. These communities play a crucial role in grassroots development, cultural preservation, and local governance.
Whether you are a resident, researcher, traveler, or member of the diaspora, understanding the towns in Anambra State helps you appreciate its cultural diversity and administrative structure.
Why Knowing the 179 Towns in Anambra State Matters
1. Administrative Importance
The 179 towns are officially recognized by the Anambra State Government and the Ministry of Local Government. They serve as the basis for:
- Distributing public funds and resources
- Conducting elections and censuses
- Planning community projects and infrastructure
2. Cultural Significance
Each town maintains its own traditions, festivals, and cultural heritage, ensuring the state’s diversity is celebrated and preserved. Local town unions, development unions, and community assemblies govern these communities.
3. Identity and Autonomy
Anambra towns are increasingly asserting their distinct identity. As columnist Azuka Onwuka explains:
“Amawbia is Amawbia; Awka is Awka. Amichi and Oraifite stand on their own. Each town takes actions to develop and project itself. This assertion of identity strengthens cultural pride and governance.”
List of Towns in Anambra State by Local Government Area (LGA)
Below is the comprehensive list of the 179 officially recognized communities and towns in Anambra State, categorized by Local Government Area (LGA):
Aguata LGA – 14 Communities
- Achina Town Union
- Agulezechukwu Improvement Union
- Akpo Development Union
- Amesi Improvement Union
- Ekwulobia Development Union
- Ezinifite Improvement Union
- Igbo-Ukwu Development Union
- Ikenga Town Union
- Isuofia People’s Union Federated
- Nkpologwu Progressive Union
- Oraeri Development Union
- Uga Improvement Union
- Umuchu Improvement Union
- Umuona Progressive Union
Anambra East LGA – 11 Communities
- Aguleri Community Assembly
- Enugu-Aguleri Community
- Enugu-otu Development Union
- Eziagulu-otu Aguleri Town Union
- Igbariam Progress Union
- Ikem-Ivite Progress Union
- Mkpunando-otu Development Union
- Nando Development Union
- Nsugbe Development Union
- Umueri General Assembly
- Umuoba-Anam Development Union
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Anambra West LGA – 10 Communities
1. Ezi-Anam Development Union
2. Ifite-Anam Town Union
3. Innoma Development Union
4. Nzam Development Union
5. Olumbanasa Development Union
6. Oroma-Etiti Development Union
7. Owelle Progressive Union
8. Ukwalla Development Union
9. Umuenwelum-Anam Development Union
10. Umueze-Anam Community
Anaocha LGA – 10 Communities
1. Adazi-Ani Town Union
2. Adazi-Enu Town Union
3. Adazi-Nnukwu Town Development Union
4. Agulu People’s Union
5. Aguluzoigbo Development Union
6. Akwaeze Town Union
7. Ichida Progress Union
8. Neni Town Union
9. Nri Progress Union
10. Obeledu Progress Union
Awka North LGA – 10 Communities
1. Achalla Improvement Union
2. Amansea Development Union
3. Amanuke Development Union
4. Awba-Ofemili Development Union
5. Ebenebe Town Union
6. Isuaniocha Development Union
7. Mgbakwu Progressive Union
8. Ugbene Progressive Union
9. Ugbenu Town Union
10. Urum Development Union
Awka South LGA – 9 Communities
1. AWKA Development Union
2. Amawbia Town Union
3. Nibo Union
4. Nose Town Union
5. Ezinator Town Union
6. Isiagu Community Union
7. Mbaukwu Progressive Union
8. Okpuno Progressive Union
9. Umuawulu Progressive Union
Ayamelum LGA – 7 Communities
1. Anaku Progressive Union
2. Ifite-Ogwari Development Union
3. Igbakwu Town Union
4. Omasi Town Union
5. Omor Town Union
6. Umerum Town Union
7. Umueje Improvement Union
Dunukofia LGA – 6 Communities
1. Ifite-Dunu Town Union
2. Nawgu Development Union
3. Ukpo Improvement Union
4. Ukwulu Town Union
5. Umudioka Improvement Union
6. Umunachi Improvement Union
Ekwusigo LGA – 4 Communities
1. Ichi Development Union
2. Ihembosi Progress Union
3. Oraifite. Improvement Union
4. Ozubulu Development Union
Idemili North LGA – 10 Communities
1. Abacha Development Union
2. Abatete Development Union
3. Eziowelle Improvement Union
4. Ideani Development Union
5. Nkpor Development Union
6. Obosi Development Union
7. Ogidi Union Nigeria
8. Oraukwu Congress
9. Uke Development Union
10. Umuoji Improvement Union
Idemili South LGA – 7 Communities
1. Akwu-Ukwu Improvement Union
2. Alor People’s Convention
3. Awka-Etiti Improvement Union
4. Nnobi Welfare Organization
5. Nnokwa Progress Union
6. Oba Patriotic Union
7. Ojoto Community
Ihiala LGA – 10 Communities
1. Amorka Improvement Union
2. Azia General Assembly
3. Ihiala Progress Union
4. Isseke Progressive Union
5. Lilu Development Union
6. Mbosi Town Union
7. Okija Development Union
8. Orsumoghu Development Union
9. Ubuluisiuzor Progressive Union
10. Uli Progressive Union
Njikoka LGA – 6 Communities
1. Abagana Welfare Union
2. Abba Town Union
3. Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union
4. Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union
5. Nawfia Progressive Union
6. Nimo Brotherhood Society
Nnewi North LGA – 1 Community
1. Nzukora Nnewi
Nnewi South LGA – 10 Communities
1. Akwaihedi Town Union
2. Amichi Development Union
3. Azigbo Improvement Union
4. Ebenator Development Union
5. Ekwulumili Development Union
6. Ezinifite Town Union
7. Osumenyi Development Union
8. Ukpor Improvement Union
9. Unubi Development Union
10. Utuh Development Union
Ogbaru LGA – 16 Communities
1. Akili-Ogidi Development Association
2. Akili-Ozozor Development Union
3. Amiyi Town Union
4. Atani Town Union
5. Mputu Town Union
6. Obeagwe Development Union
7. Ochuche-Umuodu Town Union
8. Odekpe Progressive Union
9. Ogbakuba Development Union
10. Ogwu-Aniocha Progressive Association
11. Ogwu-Ikpele Town Union
12. Ohita Progressive Union
13. Okpoko Community Development Union
14. Osomala Development Union
15. Umunankwo Progressive Union
16. Umuzu Town Union
Onitsha North & South LGA – 1 Community
- Onitsha Improvement Union
Orumba North LGA – 16 Communities
1. Amaetiti Town Union
2. Amaokpala Development Union
3. Ajalli Welfare Union
4. Awgbu Progress Union
5. Awa Development Union
6. Nanka Patriotic Union
7. Ndikelionwu Welfare Association
8. Ndiokolo Development Union
9. Ndiokpaleke Development Union
10. Ndiokpaleze Improvement Union
11. Ndiowu Town Union
12. Ndiukwuenu Development Union
13. Okpeze Development Union
14. Oko People’s Union
15. Omogho Patriotic Union
16. Ufuma Development Union
Orumba South LGA – 15 Communities
1. Agbudu Patriotic Union
2. Akpu Progressive Union
3. Enugwu-Umuonyia Development Union
4. Eziagu Improvement Union
5. Ezira Improvement Union
6. Ihite Development Union
7. Isulo Development Union
8. Nawfija Progressive Union
9. Ogboji Town Union
10. Ogbunka Development Union
11. Onneh Patriotic Union
12. Owerre-Ezukala Improvement Union
13. Umuchukwu Progressive Union
14. Umunze Progressive Union
15. Umuomaku Progress Union
Oyi LGA – 5 Communities
1. Awkuzu Progressive Union
2. Nkwelle-Ezunaka Union
3. Nteje Development Union
4. Umunya Development Union
5. Ogbunike Progress Union Nigeria
Below is the comprehensive list of 179 towns in Anambra State, organized in tabular forat by LGA for easy navigation.
| LGA | Number of Communities | Towns / Communities |
|---|---|---|
| Aguata | 14 | Achina, Agulezechukwu, Akpo, Amesi, Ekwulobia, Ezinifite, Igbo-Ukwu, Ikenga, Isuofia, Nkpologwu, Oraeri, Uga, Umuchu, Umuona |
| Anambra East | 11 | Aguleri, Enugu-Aguleri, Enugu-Otu, Eziagulu-Otu, Igbariam, Ikem-Ivite, Mkpunando-Otu, Nando, Nsugbe, Umueri, Umuoba-Anam |
| Anambra West | 10 | Ezi-Anam, Ifite-Anam, Innoma, Nzam, Olumbanasa, Oroma-Etiti, Owelle, Ukwalla, Umuenwelum-Anam, Umueze-Anam |
| Anaocha | 10 | Adazi-Ani, Adazi-Enu, Adazi-Nnukwu, Agulu, Aguluzoigbo, Akwaeze, Ichida, Neni, Nri, Obeledu |
| Awka North | 10 | Achalla, Amansea, Amanuke, Awba-Ofemili, Ebenebe, Isuaniocha, Mgbakwu, Ugbene, Ugbenu, Urum |
| Awka South | 9 | Awka, Amawbia, Nibo, Nose, Ezinator, Isiagu, Mbaukwu, Okpuno, Umuawulu |
| Ayamelum | 7 | Anaku, Ifite-Ogwari, Igbakwu, Omasi, Omor, Umerum, Umueje |
| Dunukofia | 6 | Ifite-Dunu, Nawgu, Ukpo, Ukwulu, Umudioka, Umunachi |
| Ekwusigo | 4 | Ichi, Ihembosi, Oraifite, Ozubulu |
| Idemili North | 10 | Abacha, Abatete, Eziowelle, Ideani, Nkpor, Obosi, Ogidi, Oraukwu, Uke, Umuoji |
| Idemili South | 7 | Akwu-Ukwu, Alor, Awka-Etiti, Nnobi, Nnokwa, Oba, Ojoto |
| Ihiala | 10 | Amorka, Azia, Ihiala, Isseke, Lilu, Mbosi, Okija, Orsumoghu, Ubuluisiuzor, Uli |
| Njikoka | 6 | Abagana, Abba, Enugwu-Agidi, Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia, Nimo |
| Nnewi North | 1 | Nzukora Nnewi |
| Nnewi South | 10 | Akwaihedi, Amichi, Azigbo, Ebenator, Ekwulumili, Ezinifite, Osumenyi, Ukpor, Unubi, Utuh |
| Ogbaru | 16 | Akili-Ogidi, Akili-Ozozor, Amiyi, Atani, Mputu, Obeagwe, Ochuche-Umuodu, Odekpe, Ogbakuba, Ogwu-Aniocha, Ogwu-Ikpele, Ohita, Okpoko, Osomala, Umunankwo, Umuzu |
| Onitsha North & South | 1 | Onitsha |
| Orumba North | 16 | Amaetiti, Amaokpala, Ajalli, Awgbu, Awa, Nanka, Ndikelionwu, Ndiokolo, Ndiokpaleke, Ndiokpaleze, Ndiowu, Ndiukwuenu, Okpeze, Oko, Omogho, Ufuma |
| Orumba South | 15 | Agbudu, Akpu, Enugwu-Umuonyia, Eziagu, Ezira, Ihite, Isulo, Nawfija, Ogboji, Ogbunka, Onneh, Owerre-Ezukala, Umuchukwu, Umunze, Umuomaku |
| Oyi | 5 | Awkuzu, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Nteje, Umunya, Ogbunike |
Tip: Organizing towns by LGA helps with administrative, cultural, and travel-related purposes.
Additional Insights About Towns in Anambra State
Heritage & Tourism: Many towns have historic sites, cultural festivals, and local landmarks that attract tourists and researchers alike.
Town Unions & Governance: Each town has a Development Union, Improvement Union, or Community Assembly overseeing local projects, security, and festivals.
Cultural Pride: Towns are increasingly asserting unique identities, moving away from being lumped together with larger cities.
FAQs About Towns in Anambra State
How many towns are in Anambra State?
Anambra State is made up of 179 officially recognized towns and communities, spread across 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Each town functions as an administrative and cultural unit, often governed by a town union, development union, or community assembly. These towns range from large urban centers like Onitsha and Nnewi to smaller, historically rich villages like Ufuma and Amiyi. Understanding this structure is essential for residents, travelers, and researchers who want to navigate the state efficiently.
Which is the largest town in Anambra State?
The largest and most populous town in Anambra State is Onitsha, located on the banks of the Niger River. Onitsha is famous for its market—the Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest in West Africa—which attracts traders and visitors from across Nigeria. Beyond commerce, Onitsha has a rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and a bustling urban life. Other major towns include Nnewi, known as the “Japan of Africa” for its industrial prowess, and Awka, the state capital with significant administrative and historical importance.
Are towns in Anambra State organized into local governance bodies?
Yes. Each town typically has a Development Union, Improvement Union, or Community Assembly. These local governance bodies are crucial for:
- Coordinating community projects like road maintenance, schools, and healthcare initiatives
- Organizing cultural festivals and traditional events
- Representing the town in dealings with the state or federal government
- Ensuring security and conflict resolution within the community
These organizations ensure that each town not only preserves its unique identity but also actively contributes to local development and governance.
Can I visit towns in Anambra State for cultural tourism?
Absolutely! Many Anambra towns offer rich opportunities for cultural tourism and heritage exploration. Visitors can enjoy:
- Festivals and masquerades that showcase traditional music, dance, and folklore
- Historic sites like Olumba Rock in Abeokuta and ancestral shrines
- Local markets for crafts, traditional foods, and unique souvenirs
- Town-specific attractions, such as Nri Kingdom, which is historically significant in Igbo culture
Travelers can plan visits to towns for immersive experiences, learning about the local culture, and connecting with the communities firsthand.
Why is it important to know all the towns in Anambra State?
Understanding the full list of towns in Anambra State is important for several reasons:
- For residents: Helps identify administrative zones and participate in local governance
- For travelers and tourists: Enables better trip planning and exploration of cultural and historical sites
- For researchers and academics: Provides insights into population distribution, cultural diversity, and community organization
- For policymakers and development agencies: Assists in allocating resources, implementing projects, and planning infrastructure
Knowing these towns is not just about geography; it’s about appreciating Anambra’s heritage, culture, and socio-economic landscape, and supporting community growth.
Conclusion
The 179 towns in Anambra State are more than just names on a map. They represent identity, autonomy, governance, and cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Onitsha and Nnewi to the historic villages of Orumba and Ogbaru, each community contributes to the mosaic that makes Anambra vibrant and unique.
By understanding these towns in Anambra State, residents and visitors alike can appreciate the state’s rich culture, support local development, and connect with its history.
