Top 15 richest towns in Anambra State: Interesting facts

Anambra State is one of Nigeria’s leading commercial hubs in southeastern Nigeria. It borders Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Kogi states and is known for trade, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. The richest towns in Anambra State, such as Nnewi, Awka, and Onitsha, continue to attract investors, businesses, and skilled professionals thanks to their strong local economies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

• Manufacturing, trade, education, and agriculture drive the state’s economy.
• Onitsha is home to one of West Africa’s largest markets.
• Nnewi is Nigeria’s leading automobile and industrial manufacturing centre.
• Awka serves as the administrative and educational capital of the state.
• Wealth varies by industrial growth, infrastructure, and commercial activity.

Anambra State overview

The Federal Republic of Nigeria created Anambra State on August 27, 1991. According to the UN Global Poverty Index report, this is the second richest Nigerian state after Lagos. Anambra is in the southeastern part of the country, bordered by Kogi State (north), Imo State (south), Delta State (west), and Enugu State (east).

Top 15 richest towns in Anambra State as of 2026

The Igbo tribe (one of the largest communities in the country) dominates Anambra State. The old Anambra State was part of East Central State, whose capital was Enugu. The state was divided into Anambra and Enugu in 1991. There are 179 towns in Anambra State, and its current capital is Awka. Below are the richest towns in Anambra State.

Rank	Town	Local Government Area
1	Nnewi	Nnewi North
2	Onitsha	Onitsha North
3	Awka	Awka South
4	Ekwulobia	Aguata
5	Nnokwa	Idemili South
6	Ebenebe	Awka North
7	Alor	Idemili South
8	Nri	Anaocha
9	Adazi Ani	Anaocha
10	Ora Ukwu	Idemili North
11	Akwa Etiti	Idemili South
12	Enugu Ukwu	Njikoka
13	Agulu	Anaocha
14	Nanka	Orumba North
15	Neni	Anaocha

15. Neni

• Local Government Area: Anaocha
• Known for: Administrative centre
• Economic strength: Agriculture, commerce, and education

Neni is the headquarters of Anaocha LGA and ranks among the top 20 richest towns in Anambra State. The town comprises ten villages: Umueze, Umudioka, Eziaja, Etitinabo, Okofia, Umunri, Umuabani, Ezineni, Umukabia, and Ugwudunu.

Oral information from elderly people in Neni states that the sons of Nnebo founded the town. Their influence extended to the present Nkwo market in Igbo-Ukwu and the old Aguata LGA.

The town has a balanced economy driven by farming, commerce, education, and public administration. Its growing population has supported the expansion of markets, schools, financial institutions, and healthcare facilities, making Neni one of the state’s economically stable communities.

14. Nanka

• Local Government Area: Orumba North
• Known for: Agriculture and commerce
• Economic strength: Farming and local businesses

One traditional story states that Nanka town came into existence when Dinne bu Ududo relocated from Ohafia (in present-day Abia State) and settled in what people today call Nanka.

One story claims the name Nanka means “Nnaa m ka, naani m ka (I alone am the greatest),’ and it came from a warrior called Jee Nwuhu.

He hardly lost in battles and got the name Nnaanka after winning a battle that would have subjected the community to slavery. He gave birth to seven villages: Agbiligba, Amako, Etti, Enugwu, Ifite, Ubahu and Umudala.

13. Agulu

• Local Government Area: Anaocha
• Known for: Lake Agulu and tourism
• Economic strength: Agriculture, tourism, and commerce

Agulu is in Anaocha LGA and is home to Lake Agulu. Some of the Agulu community’s prominent people include the former Anambra State governor, Mr Peter Obi.

Besides tourism, the town has a thriving agricultural sector that produces food crops sold across the state. The community has also produced notable public figures and business leaders. Small and medium-sized enterprises continue to contribute to Agulu’s growing economy.

12. Enugu Ukwu

• Local Government Area: Njikoka
• Known for: Culture and education
• Economic strength: Commerce and professional services

Enugu Ukwu is on hilly terrain in Njikoka LGA. The town’s villages are Uruokwe, Urualor, Adagbe Uruekwo, Avomini, Umuatuora, Umu-Atulu, Umuatulu, Enu-Avomimi, Akiyi, Awovu, Avomimi, Enuagu, Osili, Orji, Ire, Orofia, Umuakwu, Umuokpaleri, Urunnebo, Urukpaleke, and Uruogbo.

The town is ruled by a king whose traditional title is Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri. He lives in the Umunri Palace. MTN, a large telecommunications brand in Nigeria, sponsors the annual Mmonwu festival (Masquerade festival). It is one of the main traditional events of the people of Enugu Ukwu.

11. Akwa Etiti

• Local Government Area: Idemili South
• Known for: Commerce and entrepreneurship
• Economic strength: Trade, real estate, and professional services

Awka_Etiti was historically known as Awka_Nkakwu (Okankaku) and Awka_Diedo (Oka Diedo). It is an affluent town in Idemili South LGA and has seven villages: Nkolofia, Ejighinandu, Umunocha, Iruowelle, Nnaba, Umudunu, and Ogunzele.

Traditions state that Awka Etiti was founded by a great patriarch called Oke Diedo. He migrated to Awka-Etiti due to conflicts with his brothers, Nnobi and Nnewi. They were the sons of Ezenne. Ezenne’s brothers were Uke and Ojoto.

10. Ora Ukwu

• Local Government Area: Idemili North
• Known for: Commerce and education
• Economic strength: Small businesses and professional services

Oraukwu is in Idemili North LGA and was initially called Ohaukwu. The hunter and adventurer migrated from the great Nri kingdom to Oraukwu around 1583 AD.

Oraukwu town is under the administration of a state government-certified traditional ruler, his cabinet members, the town union executives and its members. It ranks among the top 10 richest towns in Anambra State.

9. Adazi Ani

• Local Government Area: Anaocha
• Known for: Agriculture and commerce
• Economic strength: Farming and trading

Adazi Ani is in Anaocha LGA of Anambra State along Nnewi/Agulu Road. The town borders Neni and Adazi Enu in Anaocha LGA, and Nnokwa, Alor, and Oraukwu towns in Idemili South LGA.

The ten villages of Adazi Ani town are divided into three zones: Umuru, Asano, and Ede. Villages in the Asano zone are Ikenga, Eziora, and Umuogu. Umuru Zone has Dimnam, Amaeku, and Osioka villages, while Uhuezeama, Ezi Etiti, Uhuotulu, and Urunkwo villages are in the Ede zone.

8. Nri

• Local Government Area: Anaocha
• Known for: Igbo cultural heritage
• Economic strength: Tourism, agriculture, and commerce

The town of Nri is believed to be the origin of the Igbo tribe. The Nri Kingdom is among the oldest monarchies in Nigeria. Nri’s capital was Igbo-Ukwu.

The kingdom did not control Igbo land even at its peak (between the 12th–15th centuries). Nri town has six villages collectively referred to as Ifite Nri or (Akamkpisi na Diodo).

7. Alor

• Local Government Area: Idemili South
• Known for: Education and commerce
• Economic strength: Trading and professional services

Alor is a town in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State. It is surrounded by seven towns: Oraukwu, Abatete, Nnobi, Ideani, Adazi Ani, Uke, and Nnokwa. Rivers in Alor are Mmili Ezigbo, Mmili Ọhọsha, Mmili Nwangene, Mmili Iyiogwgwu, Mmili Ideọhwọlọ, and Mmili Ọbịaja. They are named after the gods of the villages.

Historically, Alorites were traders dealing in textile materials. Most of them are educated professionals these days. Alor traditions are almost identical to the neighbouring communities’ culture, including the Igbo culture.

6. Ebenebe

• Local Government Area: Awka North
• Known for: Agriculture
• Economic strength: Farming and local trade

Ebenebe is a very small town of around 45,000 people. It was the capital of the Ezu LGA during the regime of Governor Samson Omeruah. Ebenebe town is one of the richest cities in Anambra State because people from Awka are only 25 km away.

The place favours farmers. Ebenebe is one of the state’s top producers of staple crops and animals. This makes it a big trading and agricultural centre of Anambra.

5. Nnokwa

• Local Government Area: Idemili South
• Known for: Metalwork and farming
• Economic strength: Agriculture and small-scale industries

Nnokwa is among the most populous towns in Idemili South LGA (this Anambra state local government area (LGA) has seven towns). Nnokwa town is the only Nri town in this LGA and has ten villages.

The villages are Ozala, Ogonogo, Umuide, Isimgbede, Aboh, Eziama, Ubili, Odumodu, Umueshi, and Umudim. They are grouped into three quarters, Nnaku, Etiti and Ifite, for easy administration.

4. Ekwulobia

• Local Government Area: Aguata
• Known for: Commerce and transportation
• Economic strength: Trading and business services

Ekwulobia is among the top 5 richest towns in Anambra State. It is a big urban city with enough natural resources to create wealth. This industrial centre is one of the state’s commercial powerhouses. It is the fourth-largest urban town after Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka. Ekwulobia town is attractive to residents across Nigeria.

It has nine villages, divided into two zones, Ezi and Ifite. The villages in Ezi are Umuchi, Umuchiana, Okpo, Abogwume, Nkono, and Ihuokpala, while the villages in Ifite are Ula, Agba, and Eziagulu.

3. Awka

• Local Government Area: Awka South
• Known for: State capital and education
• Economic strength: Government, education, and services

Awka is one of the richest cities in Anambra State and the state’s capital. It is economically developed, has the potential to create new jobs, and attracts investments from all over Nigeria. Awka town also generates billions of Naira annually.

It is the ‘heart’ of the country’s carving and metalwork industry. The place has several impressive higher educational institutions (private and federal) that produce successful medical workers, businesspersons, and scientific geniuses.

2. Onitsha

• Local Government Area: Onitsha North
• Known for: International trade
• Economic strength: Wholesale and retail commerce

It’s not a secret that many Nigerians love Onitsha’s markets. People travel here from around the country to make purchases. Onitsha town is on the eastern bank of the Niger River in Anambra State.

It is globally known as one of the largest markets in West Africa, which has a river port. No wonder it is one of the richest towns in Anambra State. Onitsha has nine villages and is a predominantly Christian city.

1. Nnewi

• Local Government Area: Nnewi North
• Known for: Manufacturing and automobile industry
• Economic strength: Industrial production and commerce

Nnewi is considered a city of black billionaires because many famous and financially successful people were born or raised here.

Some of Nigeria’s wealthiest people from Nnewi town are Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, Cosmas Maduka, Cletus Ibeto, and Innocent Chukwuma. People also call it the ‘Japan of Africa’ because it is a developed industrial area.

Which town is the richest in Anambra State?

Nnewi, Awka, Onitsha, Ebenebe, Ora Ukwu, Akwa Etiti, Agulu, Enugu Ukwu, Nanka, and Neni are among the wealthiest towns in Anambra State.

What is the richest city in Nigeria?

Port Harcourt is the richest city in Nigeria. Almost 80% of assets and investments in this state generate an annual income of over N750 000.

Where do rich people live in Anambra?

Many wealthy individuals live in towns such as Nnewi, Awka, Onitsha, Awka-Etiti, and Ekwulobia. These towns offer thriving businesses, modern residential estates, quality schools, healthcare facilities, and good transport networks.

Which is the richest town in Igbo land?

Nnewi is widely regarded as one of the richest towns in Igbo land because of its strong manufacturing industry and the large number of successful entrepreneurs from the town. However, other major commercial centres such as Onitsha and Aba also play significant roles in the region’s economy.

Which state is the richest between Enugu and Anambra?

Both states have strong economies, but Anambra is generally recognised as having a larger commercial sector driven by trade, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. Cities such as Onitsha, Nnewi, and Awka contribute significantly to the state’s economic output.

Is Nnewi the wealthiest town?

Many people consider Nnewi the wealthiest town because of its industrial strength and the large number of successful entrepreneurs who originate from the area. Its manufacturing sector continues to attract investors and create employment opportunities across Nigeria.

The richest towns in Anambra State continue to drive economic growth through commerce, manufacturing, agriculture, education, and tourism. While Nnewi, Awka, and Onitsha remain the leading economic centres, several other towns are attracting new investments and expanding their local economies.

Legit.ng also posted insightful details about geopolitical zones in Nigeria and their states. President General Sani Abacha’s regime grouped the 36 states of Nigeria into six groups called zones.

The six zones were not carved out based on the states’ geographic locations alone. Other factors that were taken into consideration are similar ethnic groups in states and common political history.

Source: Legit.ng