This guide provides an overview of Enugu State. You will learn about:
- Establishment
- Population Size
- Languages Spoken
- Local Government Areas
- Governors’ List (Including current Executive and Deputy)
- And More
When Was Enugu State Created?
Enugu is one of the states in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The state was created during the military era of General Ibrahim Babangida in August 1991. It was carved out of the present-day Anambra State, and its headquarters is the city of Enugu, from which the state takes its name.
The city was originally named Enugwu-Ngwo in 1917 as a fast-growing township but was renamed Enugu in 1928. It is the largest city in the state. Enugu is commonly referred to as the “Coal City State” due to its rich coal deposits.
Also, the state features a distinct topography that makes it unique among the states in the federation, and its postal code is 400001. Today, we are exploring the beauty and history of Enugu.
![]() Nickname: :Coal City State |
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Date of Creation: | 27 Aug. 1991 |
Location | South East |
Executive Governor: | Peter Mbah |
Deputy Governor: | Ifeanyi Ossai |
Population: | 3.2 million as at 2006 Census |
Language: | Igbo |
LGA: | 17 |
Postal Code | 400001 |
Location
Enugu is located in the southeast of Nigeria and shares boundaries with five other states:
- To the north: Benue and Kogi States
- To the east: Ebonyi State
- To the southeast: Abia State
- To the west: Anambra State
Its coordinates on the map are approximately 6°30′N latitude and 7°30′E longitude.
Land Mass
The Coal City State occupies a total land area of 5,081 square kilometers (not miles), making it the 29th largest by area among the 36 states in Nigeria. It is also the largest in landmass among the states in the southeast geopolitical zone.
Enugu Topography
Enugu is situated at the base of a steep slope within the Cross River Basin and the Benue Trough. The area features Precambrian basement rock covered by Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments, which are rich in coal deposits. The region is predominantly hilly, with Udi Hill being a notable topographical feature. Hills in Enugu can reach heights of about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), with highlands mainly supported by sandstone and lowlands by shale.
Nike Lake is a key geological feature, along with significant rivers such as Asata, Aria, Ekulu, Idaw, Ogbete, and Nyaba, with the Ekulu River being the largest water body in urban Enugu.
Geography
The state capital, Enugu, is located 240 kilometers from Port Harcourt, a journey of approximately four hours by road. Port Harcourt serves as a major port for coal shipments out of Nigeria. Enugu is also about a one-hour drive from Onitsha, the largest commercial city in West Africa, and two hours from Aba, another major commercial hub in Abia State.
Enugu State is known for its fertile soil and favorable year-round climate. The state is situated at an elevation of approximately 732 feet (223 meters) above sea level. It experiences varied temperatures, with highs of around 30.64°C (87.15°F) in February and lows of about 15.86°C (60.55°F) in November.
Enugu State Vegetation
Enugu State, Nigeria, features a diverse vegetation landscape primarily consisting of open grasslands, interspersed with occasional woodlands and clusters of oil palm trees. This vegetation type supports extensive agricultural activities, with key crops including yams, cassava, maize (corn), rice, and various oil palm products.
The region’s vegetation is vital to the local economy, playing a significant role in agriculture and related industries. Its fertile environment enables the cultivation of these crops, which are essential for both subsistence farming and commercial agriculture.
Climate: Rainy and Dry Season
Enugu experiences a tropical and savanna climate annually. The tropical season occurs during the rainy months from March to October, with June and September receiving the highest rainfall, averaging 158.57 millimeters. This period is characterized by high humidity, lightning, and thunderstorms, which farmers in the state utilize to grow their crops.
The dry savanna season, which is hot, spans from November to March, with an average annual temperature of 82.89°F (28.27°C). During the savanna season, particularly between December and February, the Harmattan winds occur, bringing cooler, dry air and reducing humidity.
Population of Enugu State
The 2006 population census conducted by the National Population Commission of Nigeria recorded a population of 3,267,837 for Enugu State. A more recent estimate in 2022 placed the state’s population at 4,690,100, ranking Enugu as the 22nd most populous state out of the 36 states in Nigeria. However, this population figure is subject to change following the next census.
Language Spoken
While modern-day Enugu includes other ethnic groups speaking various dialects, the people of Enugu are predominantly of Igbo-speaking origin. Igbo dialects remain the primary local languages and are widely spoken. For inter-ethnic communication, English serves as the official language and is commonly used by non-Igbo speakers.
Local Government Areas
Enugu State is divided into 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each governed by a chairman. The LGAs are as follows:
1. Aninri | 7. Igbo-Etiti | 13. Nsukka |
2. Awgu | 8. Igbo-Eze North | 14. Oji River |
3. Enugu East | 9. Igbo-Eze South | 15. Udenu |
4. Enugu North | 10. Isi-Uzo | 16. Udi |
5. Enugu South | 11. Nkanu East | 17. Uzo-Uwani |
6. Ezeagu | 12. Nkanu West |
Who Was The First Governor Of Enugu State?

Herbert Obi-Eze was the first governor of Enugu State. He started as the Anambra State military administrator. When Enugu was split from the current Anambra State, he was assigned to govern the newly created Enugu State. Eze joined the Nigerian Army School, but shortly after, the civil war started. He and some of his elite classmates were withdrew to schools nearby in the East. During his school days, Obi-Eze got the nickname “Eze War.” While finishing secondary education in 1967, Eze War and some of his schoolmates were sent to join the Biafran Army. This affected his military education because he was thrust into war at an early stage of his life, while his colleagues at the Nigerian Military School (NMS) progressed to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Although he rejoined the military after the war, he could not rise beyond the rank of lieutenant colonel, while his friends who attended the NDA became full colonels.
He was from Ogboro, Ubahueze, a town in Idemili, Imo State. He governed Enugu for a period of six months, from August 1991 to January 1992. In terms of education, he studied until he earned a doctorate, adding “Dr.” to his initials. Eze survived many battles on the warfront, which made him strong and brave, qualities that helped him gain valuable insight during his time in office as a military governor.
Who Is The Current Governor Of Enugu State?

The current governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, is a trained finance analyst, maritime legal practitioner, and politician in Nigeria. As the state executive governor, Peter was sworn in at the Enugu Government House on May 29, 2023.
Born on March 17, 1972, in his parents’ hometown, Owo, Nkanu East LGA, Peter spent his primary school days in Port Harcourt at the Army Children’s School, Bori. After completing his secondary education at Owode High School in Ogun State, he proceeded to the United Kingdom for his first degree. In 2000, he obtained a BSc in Law from East London University. Mbah then returned to Nigeria to attend the Nigerian Law School and was called to the bar. He also holds an MBA from Navarra University, along with other higher qualifications from other institutions.
Mbah began his career at a law firm in Lagos. In 1992, he established his first business in the oil and gas industry (Peter Mbah Investment Limited). His businesses also include the importation of goods and providing educational services. He is the CEO of FOCUS International Schools in Lagos.
In politics, Peter Mbah started as Chief of Staff through appointment and also served as a commissioner during Governor Chimaroke Nnamani’s tenure. He held many other positions before rising to the Enugu State Government House. Under the PDP party, he was elected on March 18, 2023.
Who Is The Deputy Of Enugu State?

Mr. Ifeanyi Ossai, the current deputy governor of Enugu State, studied law like his boss, Mbah, and is also an entrepreneur. Ifeanyi was born in Enugu State, in Ezimo town, Udenu Local Government Area. He grew up in rural settlements with his grandmother after losing his mother at about the age of eight. Ifeanyi received his early schooling in his hometown. After completing his secondary education at Agu High School in his community, he gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he obtained a BSc in Law in 1990. Subsequently, he fulfilled his academic obligations at the Nigerian Law School and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001.
Adding to his educational qualifications, he went overseas to the University of Essex, UK, where he earned a Master’s degree in Information Technology, Media, and E-commerce in relation to law. Early in his career, Ifeanyi did an internship assisting the office of the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives at the National Assembly. He spent most of his early career in the legal field, which helped strengthen his legal foundation.
As an entrepreneur, Ifeanyi ventured into the real estate business in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. He also has a presence in the oil and gas sector as part of his investments. In his political journey, becoming the deputy governor was the intention of the current governor, Mbah, who selected him as a running mate, and he is now enjoying the benefits of being a deputy.
List of All Governors of Enugu State – Till Present
This table contains the military/administrator and civilian governors of Enugu State since its creation.
Name | Title | Enter Office | Leave Office | Party |
Herbert Eze | Gov. | Aug 1990 | Jan 1992 | Military |
Okwesilieze Nwodo | Gov. | Jan 1992 | Nov 1993 | NRC |
Temi Ejoor | Admin. | 9 Dec 1993 | 14 Sep 1994 | Military |
Mike Torey | Admin. | 14 Sep 1994 | 22 Aug 1996 | Military |
Sule Ahman | Admin. | 22 Aug 1996 | Aug 1998 | Military |
Adewunmi Agbaje | Admin. | Aug 1998 | May 1999 | Military |
Chimaroke Nnamani | Gov. | 29 May 1999 | 29 May 2007 | PDP |
Sullivan Chime | Gov. | 29 May 2007 | 29 May 2015 | PDP |
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi | Gov. | 29 May 2015 | 29 May 2023 | PDP |
Peter Mbah | Gov. | 29 May 2023 | Incumbent | PDP |
Economy of the Region
The economy of Enugu State is diverse. A significant proportion of the population, particularly in rural areas, are farmers. Crops such as cassava, yam, maize, and rice are cultivated extensively in various regions. However, in urban areas, many residents are engaged in trade and service provision. Trading is the most predominant economic activity, with a large proportion of the population involved in it.
A smaller fraction of the population is engaged in manufacturing, primarily located in cities such as Enugu, Nsukka, Oji, and Ohebedim. The state boasts several markets across its divisional headquarters, with the Ogbete Main Market in the state capital being the most prominent.
Additionally, the Orie Orba Market, situated in the eastern part of the state, plays a vital economic role. It serves as a hub for the sale of large quantities of grains annually. Farmers from north-central states such as Kogi, Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States transport their grains to this market, indirectly contributing to Enugu State’s economy.
List of Higher Institutions in Enugu State
Enugu State boasts several higher institutions for those aspiring to further their education. These institutions include universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Below is a detailed list:
Institution Name | Location | Type | Degrees Awarded |
University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Nsukka, Enugu State | Federal | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate |
Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT) | Enugu State | State | Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate |
Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) | Enugu State | State | Diploma, Higher National Diploma (HND) |
Federal Cooperative College, Oji River (FCCO) | Oji River, Enugu State | Federal | Diploma, Certificates |
Enugu State College of Education Technical | Enugu, Enugu State | State | National Certificate in Education (NCE) |
Caritas University | Amorji-Nike, Enugu State | Private | Bachelor’s |
Renaissance University | Ugbawka, Enugu State | Private | Bachelor’s |
Federal School of Dental Technology & Therapy | Enugu State | Federal | Diploma, Bachelor’s |
Our Saviour Institute of Science and Technology, Enugu | Enugu State | Private | Diploma, Certificates |
Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu | Eha-Amufu, Enugu State | Federal | National Certificate in Education (NCE), Bachelor’s |
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