Looking for the complete list of local government areas in Rivers State and their location? You’re not alone. Whether you're a student, civil servant, investor, political analyst, or a curious resident, understanding the geography and structure of Rivers State is very important.
Rivers State, known as the Treasure Base of the Nation, is one of the richest and most populated oil-producing states in Nigeria. It is located in the South-South geopolitical zone and made up of 23 local government areas (LGAs), each with its own administrative headquarters, towns, and cultural identity.
In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we will explore each LGA in detail — including its exact location, headquarters, major towns, and economic activities — so you can have a full picture of Rivers State’s LGA structure.
How Many LGAs Are in Rivers State?
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Total Number of LGAs: 23
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Capital of the State: Port Harcourt
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Geo-Political Zone: South-South Nigeria
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Boundaries: Abia, Imo, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, and the Atlantic Ocean
The LGAs are grouped across upland and riverine areas, which reflects in the culture, infrastructure, and access routes.
List of Local Government Areas in Rivers State and Their Locations
1. Port Harcourt LGA
Location: Central coastal region of Rivers State
Headquarters: Port Harcourt city
Key Features: This is the capital city of the state and a major economic hub in Nigeria. It is highly urbanized and home to top oil companies, banks, and ports.
Major Towns/Communities:
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D-line
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Old GRA
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Diobu
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Rumuomasi
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Rumuola
Economic Activities:
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Oil and gas
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Shipping and logistics
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Finance and commerce
2. Obio/Akpor LGA
Location: Borders Port Harcourt to the west and north
Headquarters: Rumuodomaya
Description: Obio/Akpor is one of the most populated LGAs in Rivers State and hosts many middle-class neighborhoods, estates, and offices.
Key Towns:
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Rumuokoro
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Rumuodara
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Rumuosi
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Eliozu
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Rukpokwu
Economy:
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Real estate
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Retail and supermarkets
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Private schools and hospitals
3. Ikwerre LGA
Location: Northwest of Port Harcourt
Headquarters: Isiokpo
Description: Ikwerre is part of the Igboid-speaking areas. It has a mix of rural and semi-urban towns and serves as a major entry point via the Port Harcourt International Airport.
Major Communities:
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Omagwa
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Aluu
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Ozuoha
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Elele
Economic Activities:
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Farming
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Aviation services
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Petty trading
4. Etche LGA
Location: Northeastern part of Rivers State
Headquarters: Okehi
Description: Etche is known for its agricultural strength and border links with Imo State.
Key Towns:
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Igbo-Etche
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Ulakwo
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Chokota
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Igbodo
Economy:
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Cassava and oil palm farming
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Trading
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Local craft
5. Ahoada East LGA
Location: North-central Rivers State
Headquarters: Ahoada town
Description: Ahoada East lies along the East-West road and serves as a link between Bayelsa and other upland communities.
Major Areas:
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Edeoha
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Ula-Ikata
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Odiabidi
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Ochigba
Key Economic Sectors:
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Fish farming
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Crop production
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Timber
6. Ahoada West LGA
Location: Borders Ahoada East and Bayelsa State
Headquarters: Akinima
Towns:
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Joinkrama
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Okogbe
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Engenni
Economic Summary:
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Local trade
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Canoe building
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Rural farming
7. Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA)
Location: Western Rivers, near Delta and Imo States
Headquarters: Omoku
Description: One of the richest LGAs in oil reserves.
Communities Include:
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Obrikom
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Egbema
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Usomini
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Idu
Major Activities:
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Oil & gas (Agip, TotalEnergies)
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Power stations
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Farming and fishing
8. Oyigbo LGA
Location: Borders Abia State
Headquarters: Afam
Description: Oyigbo is a growing industrial hub and hosts one of Nigeria’s major power stations.
Key Areas:
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Kom-Kom
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Obete
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Oyigbo town
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Asa
Economic Base:
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Power generation
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Warehousing
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Small-scale industry
9. Eleme LGA
Location: Southeast of Port Harcourt
Headquarters: Nchia
Description: Home to the famous Eleme Petrochemicals and the Port Harcourt Refinery.
Towns:
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Akpajo
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Alesa
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Onne
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Aleto
Main Economy:
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Petrochemicals
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Sea port logistics
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Gas pipelines
10. Tai LGA
Location: Between Eleme and Gokana LGAs
Headquarters: Sakpenwa
Towns:
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Kpite
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Kporghor
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Botem
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Korokoro
Main Economic Activities:
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Farming
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Youth empowerment programs
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Environmental activism (due to oil spills)
11. Gokana LGA
Location: Southern Rivers State, Ogoni axis
Headquarters: Kpor
Key Towns:
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Bodo
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Kegbara Dere
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Bomu
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Biara
Special Features:
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Strong Ogoni heritage
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Oil pollution resistance
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Farming & fishing
12. Khana LGA
Location: Shares boundaries with Gokana and Andoni
Headquarters: Bori
Notable Towns:
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Bori
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Bane
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Sogho
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Kaani
Economy:
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Education (Khana has several institutions)
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Agriculture
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Activism
13. Andoni LGA
Location: Southeastern coastal tip
Headquarters: Ngo town
Major Communities:
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Okoroinyong
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Oyorokoto
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Ekede
Activities:
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Deep-sea fishing
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Marine produce
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Coastal transport
14. Opobo/Nkoro LGA
Location: Southern Rivers, close to the ocean
Headquarters: Opobo Town
Features:
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Home to the ancient Opobo Kingdom
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Riverine transportation
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Cultural tourism
15. Bonny LGA
Location: Island off the Atlantic coast
Headquarters: Bonny Town
Highlights:
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NLNG Base (Nigeria LNG)
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Sea port and jetty
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Cultural kingdom
Transport:
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Access is mostly by boat from Port Harcourt
16. Okrika LGA
Location: Southern Riverine area, close to PH
Headquarters: Okrika Town
Notable for:
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Refined petroleum depots
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Coastal lifestyle
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Traditional culture
17. Asari-Toru LGA
Location: Western delta area of Rivers State
Headquarters: Buguma
Communities Include:
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Abalama
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Krakrama
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Tombia
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Bakana
Main Economy:
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Fishing
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Palm oil trade
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Politics and culture
18. Akuku-Toru LGA
Location: Near Asari-Toru
Headquarters: Abonnema
Other Areas:
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Obonoma
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Soku
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Kula
Activities:
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Oil servicing
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Traditional festivals
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Boat manufacturing
19. Degema LGA
Location: Close to Bonny and Asari-Toru
Headquarters: Degema Town
Known For:
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Degema Seaport
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Old colonial buildings
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River-based farming
20. Abua/Odual LGA
Location: North-central region
Headquarters: Abua Town
Communities:
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Emesu
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Otari
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Odual
Economy:
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Forest products
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Agriculture
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Local markets
21. Emohua LGA
Location: Northwest of Port Harcourt
Headquarters: Emohua Town
Key Areas:
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Rumuji
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Elele-Alimini
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Ibaa
Economy:
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Palm oil
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Small-scale trade
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Transport link to PH
23. Omuma LGA
Location: Eastern border of the state
Headquarters: Eberi
Communities:
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Umuakuru
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Umuoye
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Egbelu
Primary Economy:
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Farming (cassava, vegetables)
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Traditional markets
Summary Table: Rivers State Local Government Areas and Locations
LGA Name | Location in Rivers | HQ Town | Key Features |
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Port Harcourt | Central | Port Harcourt | Capital city, oil hub |
Obio/Akpor | Central-west | Rumuodomaya | Urban suburbs |
Ikwerre | Northwest | Isiokpo | Airport area, semi-urban |
Etche | Northeast | Okehi | Agriculture zone |
Ahoada East | North-central | Ahoada | Border town to Bayelsa |
ONELGA | West | Omoku | Oil-rich zone |
Eleme | Southeast | Nchia | Petrochemicals and refinery |
Bonny | Island off the coast | Bonny | NLNG and export jetty |
Final Thoughts: List of Local Government Areas in Rivers State and Their Location (2025)
This guide on the list of local government areas in Rivers State and their location gives you a full understanding of the state’s administrative structure. From the urban streets of Port Harcourt to the riverine communities of Bonny and Andoni, Rivers State is diverse, economically strategic, and culturally rich.
Each LGA plays a unique role in the oil, agriculture, or trade economy of the South-South. Whether you're mapping development, planning a move, or doing research, this breakdown gives you everything you need to know about all 23 LGAs.