The South-East of Nigeria is a lively mix of culture, business, and strength. It includes five states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. In this blog post, we’ll look at the top 5 major cities in South-east Nigeria. These cities have stories to share—stories of progress, character, and dreams.
So, get ready as we explore these cities, from Owerri’s fun attractions to Onitsha’s busy markets. Let’s learn about their past, enjoy their present, and peek into their bright future.
Read also: 9 Most Beautiful Cities in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
1. Aba
Aba, located in Abia State, South-East Nigeria, is the most populous commercial city in the region, known for its strong industrial and manufacturing presence. Famous for its “Made-in-Aba” products, the city plays a big role in the economic activities of the South-East. With a population of over 2 million people, Aba is a melting pot of cultures, adding to its unique charm.
Aba is famous for its small and medium-scale enterprises, especially in the fashion and textile industry. The Aba market is a major trading centre, attracting buyers from all over seeking quality products at good prices. The “Aba Made” brand is well-known for its creativity and quality, offering a wide range of products from clothing to household items.
The city’s strategic location and proximity to Port Harcourt, Nigeria’s oil capital, make it an important part of the region’s supply chain network. Areas like Ariaria International Market host many businesses engaged in manufacturing and trading, providing jobs and boosting the local economy.
In recent years, Aba has improved its infrastructure to support businesses and attract more investments. Roads, power supply, and waste management systems have been upgraded to enhance the city’s business environment and quality of life for residents. With a focus on sustainable development, Aba continues to grow and offer opportunities for prosperity.
Read also: 6 Most Beautiful Cities in Southern Nigeria
2. Enugu
Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State in South-East Nigeria, is a city full of culture and business. It’s an excellent place to invest in hotels and tourism because of its rich culture and busy business areas. Enugu has about 875,552 people, and its tourism is expected to contribute a lot to the state’s economy.
In 2021, Enugu welcomed around 62,000 tourists from other countries, bringing in about $13.3 million. The local hotel business is growing too, with an expected increase from $1.0 billion in 2023 to $2.0 billion by 2027, serving about 17.4 million people. The city is also a hub for the creative industry, with over 40 film and music production companies and studios.
Enugu’s location and good transport connections make it an important place for businesses. It has the Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, which is one of Nigeria’s six international airports and the only one in the South-East. Enugu is also connected to a big market in Central Africa through the Bamenda-Enugu road corridor.
The city has good roads, covering over 720 km, connecting it to other regions. Enugu has top transport and logistics companies like Peace Mass Transit, God is Good Motors and Agunaford Ventures Limited. It also has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, with beautiful rivers, mountains, wildlife, and nature spots.
Enugu is a diverse city, with over half of its people being literate and almost half living in urban areas. This sets the city up for innovation and growth. Its friendly people and peaceful environment make it a great place to visit.
Read also: Top 5 Cities in Africa Shaping the Future of Technology
3. Onitsha
Onitsha, a significant city in South-East Nigeria, is located in Anambra State and is known for its rich culture and economy. With a population of over 1 million people, it’s one of the most populous urban areas in Nigeria and serves as a commercial and industrial hub in the region.
Onitsha’s economy is primarily driven by trade, commerce, and manufacturing. The city is home to the famous Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, attracting traders and buyers from across the region. The market offers a wide range of goods, from textiles and electronics to foodstuffs and household items. Onitsha is also a hub for the production of local goods, such as pottery, traditional textiles, and handicrafts.
Onitsha has a rich culture that is deeply rooted in its history, traditions, and festivals. The city is known for its annual Ofala Festival, which celebrates the traditional ruler of Onitsha and showcases the city’s cultural heritage. The festival features traditional music, dance, and masquerade performances, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.
Onitsha’s tourism industry is growing, with the city offering a range of attractions, including historical sites, museums, and parks. The city’s infrastructure has also seen significant improvements, with the construction of modern roads, bridges, and public buildings. The city is served by the Onitsha Bridge, which is the major gateway to the region.
Read also: 11 Top Places to visit for Vacation in Nigeria Today
4. Owerri
Owerri, the capital of Imo State in Nigeria, is a vibrant mix of history, business, and culture. Situated in the heart of Igboland, it’s not just the biggest city in the state but also a lively center of activity. Covering around 100 square kilometers, it includes three areas: Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, and Owerri West. As of 2016, it was estimated to have a population of about 1,401,873.
Founded back in the 14th century by Ekwem Oha, Owerri has seen many changes and challenges over time. During the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970, Owerri served as one of the capitals of the Republic of Biafra. This was because the capital kept moving due to Nigerian troops advancing. Before Owerri, Enugu and Umuahia had served as capitals. Even today, Owerri still holds memories of the war through statues and artifacts, although most of the collection is in a museum in Umuahia, Abia State.
Owerri is a major trading center, where goods like yams, cassava, corn, and palm products are bought and sold. It also produces rubber for export from its rainforest region. Though industry is still developing, there’s a factory making galvanized sheet iron. Handicraft centers are also common, showcasing the talent and skill of the people.
The city is home to various educational institutions, such as the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State University, and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, along with many secondary schools. These places help shape the city’s intellectual life and educate future leaders.
In Owerri, the heart of Imo State, major roads including Port Harcourt Road, Aba Road, Onitsha Road, and Okigwe Road link it to nearby cities like Aba, Onitsha, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia.
5. Nnewi
Nnewi, located in Anambra State, south-eastern Nigeria, is a city known for its innovation, industry, and tradition. It’s home to transportation entrepreneurs, spare parts dealers, and manufacturers, showing its strong entrepreneurial spirit.
With a population of over 900,000 as of 2019, Nnewi is a major urban centre and the second largest city in Anambra State. The city covers over 200 square miles and is divided into four quarters: Otolo, Uruagu, Umudim, and Nnewichi. Each quarter adds to the city’s rich cultural identity.
Nnewi’s economy is diverse, with industries like the Ibeto Group, the Chicason Group, and Cutix Cables driving growth. The city is also known for having Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturing plant, showing its commitment to innovation. Nnewi made history by producing Nigeria’s first wholly Made-in-Nigeria motorcycle, the ‘NASENI M1’.
The city’s cultural heritage is strong, with traditions rooted in its history. The Nnewi Kingdom, known as Anaedo (meaning “Land of Gold”), worships Edo, the supreme deity and goddess of Nnewi. Nkwo Nnewi, the central shrine, symbolizes this unity. Nnewi’s resilience is seen in its cultural practices, like the prohibition of killing or eating the rabbit (‘ewi’).
Nnewi is projected to be the twelfth fastest-growing city in Africa between 2020 and 2025, with a growth rate of 5.18%.
In Nnewi, innovation meets tradition, and resilience drives progress. This city of entrepreneurs continues to shape the region’s economy, leaving a lasting impact on African growth.
In Conclusion
The top five major cities in South-East Nigeria – Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, Nnewi, and Owerri- each have their own special qualities. They show the region’s rich culture, trade, and new ideas. Enugu has a long history and is becoming a popular place to visit. Onitsha is known for its busy markets and industries. Aba and Nnewi are famous for their businesses and making things. Owerri, as Imo State’s capital, is important for history and tourism. These cities work together to make South-East Nigeria vibrant and forward moving, shaping its character and progress in many ways.