As of April 2026, the creation of Anioma State has transitioned from a decades-long aspiration to a legislative priority. Carved from the Delta North Senatorial District, the proposed 37th state is designed to address geopolitical imbalances while consolidating a region that is already an economic powerhouse.

With the backing of the 10th National Assembly and explicit support from high-level stakeholders, understanding the list of local government in Anioma State is crucial for grasping the region’s viability. This report breaks down the nine LGAs that will form the core of the new state, with Asaba as the proposed capital.

Overview: The 9 LGAs of the Anioma Region

The proposed state is defined by its “Anioma” identity (Aniocha, Ndokwa, Ika, Oshimili). If ratified, it will comprise the following nine Local Government Areas (LGAs):

1. Oshimili South (Proposed Capital: Asaba)
2. Oshimili North (Headquarters: Akwukwu-Igbo)
3. Ika South (Headquarters: Agbor)
4. Ika North-East (Headquarters: Owa-Oyibu)
5. Ndokwa East (Headquarters: Aboh)
6. Ndokwa West (Headquarters: Kwale)
7. Ukwuani (Headquarters: Obiaruku)
8. Aniocha South (Headquarters: Ogwashi-Uku)
9. Aniocha North (Headquarters: Issele-Uku)

Economic Drivers and Resource Distribution

While discussions regarding the richest local government in Abuja focus on administrative revenue, “richness” in the proposed Anioma State is defined by oil, gas, agriculture, and a strategic location on the River Niger.

The Energy & Industrial Giants

• Ndokwa East & Ndokwa West: These two LGAs are the energy nerve centers of the region. Ndokwa East hosts the Okpai Power Plant, one of Nigeria’s most significant contributors to the national grid. Combined with Kwale’s massive gas reserves, these areas provide the fiscal “muscle” that makes the state economically self-sustaining.
• Ukwuani: A key oil-producing zone (OML 38) that also serves as a hub for timber and rubber processing.

The Commercial & Administrative Core

• Oshimili South (Asaba): As the proposed capital, Asaba is already a fully developed urban center. Its strategic position as a gateway to the South-East makes it a hub for hospitality, banking, and professional services.
• Ika South (Agbor): Known as a major transit and logistics hub, Agbor links the South-West to the South-East. Its high-volume markets and financial institutions make it a pillar of the Anioma economy.

The Human Capital & Agricultural Hubs

• Aniocha South & North: These areas are the academic and cultural heart of Anioma, hosting polytechnics and significant agricultural projects that supply the larger urban markets in Asaba and Onitsha.
• Ika North-East: A primary producer of cassava and palm oil, this LGA also hosts the University of Delta (UNIDEL), further boosting the region’s educational profile.

Why Anioma State is Considered “Viable”

Advocates for the state point to several factors that distinguish it from other state-creation demands:

1. Geopolitical Equity: Creating Anioma State would give the South-East geopolitical zone six states, matching the representation of most other zones.
2. Fiscal Strength: The region contributes an estimated ₦130–₦185 billion annually to the federation through oil and gas. Unlike many states that rely solely on FAAC, Anioma has the IGR potential to fund its own development.
3. Existing Infrastructure: With an international airport in Asaba, a functional state secretariat, and major federal roads, the “startup costs” for the new state are significantly lower than traditional proposals.
4. Human Capital: The region is home to some of Nigeria’s most prominent figures in global finance and politics, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Tony Elumelu, and Jim Ovia.

Summary Table: Anioma State LGAs 2026

The Road Ahead

As of April 2026, the Anioma State creation bill has cleared major legislative hurdles. While a December 2025 debate saw some stakeholders disagreeing over the geopolitical zone (South-South vs. South-East), the general consensus remains steadfast: the list of local government in Anioma State represents a cohesive, culturally aligned, and economically ready unit.

For investors, the creation of this state signals a massive opportunity in Asaba’s real estate and the energy sectors of the Ndokwa region. As the constitutional amendment process reaches its final stages, Anioma stands as the most likely candidate to become Nigeria’s 37th state.