Special Features
Rivers State: List of LGAs, population, land mass, government, other key facts
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s 36 states and is located in the South-South geopolitical zone. Known officially by the slogan “Treasure Base of the Nation,” the state has Port Harcourt as its capital.
Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, during the administration of General Yakubu Gowon. The state occupies an important position in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region and is widely known for its oil and gas resources, waterways and commercial activities.
Key Facts About Rivers State
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Capital | Port Harcourt |
| Slogan | Treasure Base of the Nation |
| Geopolitical Zone | South-South |
| Date Created | May 27, 1967 |
| Created By | General Yakubu Gowon |
| Local Government Areas | 23 |
| Population | About 7,476,805 |
| Land Area | 11,077 km² |
| Governor | Siminalayi Fubara |
| State Government | Government of Rivers State |
The population figure above is an estimated projection and may differ from figures obtained through other population exercises.
Who Is the Governor of Rivers State?
The current governor listed for Rivers State is Siminalayi Fubara.
Fubara assumed office as governor in May 2023 after winning the state’s governorship election.
Rivers State Senators
Rivers State has three senatorial districts represented in the Nigerian Senate:
- Rivers East — Senator Onyesoh Alwell
- Rivers West — Senator Ipalibo Gogo Banigo
- Rivers South-East — Senator Olaka Nwogu
The state also has 13 federal constituencies represented in the House of Representatives.
Local Government Areas in Rivers State
Rivers State has 23 local government areas (LGAs). Their administrative headquarters are:
| No. | Local Government Area | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abua/Odual | Abua |
| 2 | Ahoada East | Ahoada |
| 3 | Ahoada West | Akinima |
| 4 | Akuku-Toru | Abonnema |
| 5 | Andoni | Ngo |
| 6 | Asari-Toru | Buguma |
| 7 | Bonny | Bonny |
| 8 | Degema | Degema |
| 9 | Eleme | Ogale |
| 10 | Emohua | Emohua |
| 11 | Etche | Okehi |
| 12 | Gokana | Kpor |
| 13 | Ikwerre | Isiokpo |
| 14 | Khana | Bori |
| 15 | Obio/Akpor | Rumuodomaya |
| 16 | Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni | Omoku |
| 17 | Ogu/Bolo | Ogu |
| 18 | Okrika | Okrika |
| 19 | Omuma | Omuma |
| 20 | Opobo/Nkoro | Opobo |
| 21 | Oyigbo | Oyigbo |
| 22 | Port Harcourt | Port Harcourt |
| 23 | Tai | Sakpenwa |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Rivers State?
The capital of Rivers State is Port Harcourt.
What is the slogan of Rivers State?
The official slogan of Rivers State is “Treasure Base of the Nation.”
When was Rivers State created?
Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, during the administration of General Yakubu Gowon.
Which geopolitical zone is Rivers State in?
Rivers State is located in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone.
How many local government areas are in Rivers State?
Rivers State has 23 local government areas.
What is the population of Rivers State?
Rivers State has an estimated population of about 7,476,805 people, based on projections.
Who is the current governor of Rivers State?
The governor listed in the provided information is Siminalayi Fubara.
Why Rivers State Is Important
Rivers State is one of the most economically significant states in Nigeria’s South-South region. Its strategic location in the Niger Delta and access to waterways have contributed to its importance in the country’s oil, gas, maritime and commercial sectors.
The state is home to Port Harcourt, one of Nigeria’s major cities and an important centre for commerce, industry and energy-related activities.
Rivers also has a diverse cultural heritage, with numerous communities spread across its 23 local government areas. Areas such as Bonny, Okrika and Degema are among the communities closely associated with the state’s riverine environment and maritime history.
With its natural resources, strategic location and major urban centres, Rivers State remains a significant part of Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.

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