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?
Total Number of LGAs: 23
Capital of the State: Port Harcourt
Geo-Political Zone: South-South Nigeria
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:
D-line
Old GRA
Diobu
Rumuomasi
Rumuola
Economic Activities:
Oil and gas
Shipping and logistics
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:
Rumuokoro
Rumuodara
Rumuosi
Eliozu
Rukpokwu
Economy:
Real estate
Retail and supermarkets
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:
Omagwa
Aluu
Ozuoha
Elele
Economic Activities:
Farming
Aviation services
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:
Igbo-Etche
Ulakwo
Chokota
Igbodo
Economy:
Cassava and oil palm farming
Trading
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:
Edeoha
Ula-Ikata
Odiabidi
Ochigba
Key Economic Sectors:
Fish farming
Crop production
Timber
6. Ahoada West LGA
Location: Borders Ahoada East and Bayelsa State
Headquarters: Akinima
Towns:
Joinkrama
Okogbe
Engenni
Economic Summary:
Local trade
Canoe building
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:
Obrikom
Egbema
Usomini
Idu
Major Activities:
Oil & gas (Agip, TotalEnergies)
Power stations
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:
Kom-Kom
Obete
Oyigbo town
Asa
Economic Base:
Power generation
Warehousing
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:
Akpajo
Alesa
Onne
Aleto
Main Economy:
Petrochemicals
Sea port logistics
Gas pipelines
10. Tai LGA
Location: Between Eleme and Gokana LGAs
Headquarters: Sakpenwa
Towns:
Kpite
Kporghor
Botem
Korokoro
Main Economic Activities:
Farming
Youth empowerment programs
Environmental activism (due to oil spills)
11. Gokana LGA
Location: Southern Rivers State, Ogoni axis
Headquarters: Kpor
Key Towns:
Bodo
Kegbara Dere
Bomu
Biara
Special Features:
Strong Ogoni heritage
Oil pollution resistance
Farming & fishing
12. Khana LGA
Location: Shares boundaries with Gokana and Andoni
Headquarters: Bori
Notable Towns:
Bori
Bane
Sogho
Kaani
Economy:
Education (Khana has several institutions)
Agriculture
Activism
13. Andoni LGA
Location: Southeastern coastal tip
Headquarters: Ngo town
Major Communities:
Okoroinyong
Oyorokoto
Ekede
Activities:
Deep-sea fishing
Marine produce
Coastal transport
14. Opobo/Nkoro LGA
Location: Southern Rivers, close to the ocean
Headquarters: Opobo Town
Features:
Home to the ancient Opobo Kingdom
Riverine transportation
Cultural tourism
15. Bonny LGA
Location: Island off the Atlantic coast
Headquarters: Bonny Town
Highlights:
NLNG Base (Nigeria LNG)
Sea port and jetty
Cultural kingdom
Transport:
Access is mostly by boat from Port Harcourt
16. Okrika LGA
Location: Southern Riverine area, close to PH
Headquarters: Okrika Town
Notable for:
Refined petroleum depots
Coastal lifestyle
Traditional culture
17. Asari-Toru LGA
Location: Western delta area of Rivers State
Headquarters: Buguma
Communities Include:
Abalama
Krakrama
Tombia
Bakana
Main Economy:
Fishing
Palm oil trade
Politics and culture
18. Akuku-Toru LGA
Location: Near Asari-Toru
Headquarters: Abonnema
Other Areas:
Obonoma
Soku
Kula
Activities:
Oil servicing
Traditional festivals
Boat manufacturing
19. Degema LGA
Location: Close to Bonny and Asari-Toru
Headquarters: Degema Town
Known For:
Degema Seaport
Old colonial buildings
River-based farming
20. Abua/Odual LGA
Location: North-central region
Headquarters: Abua Town
Communities:
Emesu
Otari
Odual
Economy:
Forest products
Agriculture
Local markets
21. Emohua LGA
Location: Northwest of Port Harcourt
Headquarters: Emohua Town
Key Areas:
Rumuji
Elele-Alimini
Ibaa
Economy:
Palm oil
Small-scale trade
Transport link to PH
23. Omuma LGA
Location: Eastern border of the state
Headquarters: Eberi
Communities:
Umuakuru
Umuoye
Egbelu
Primary Economy:
Farming (cassava, vegetables)
Traditional markets
Summary Table: Rivers State Local Government Areas and Locations
LGA Name | Location in Rivers | HQ Town | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
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.