Asaba

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Capital city of Delta State, Nigeria

title: "Asaba" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["state-capitals-in-nigeria", "asaba", "cities-in-delta-state", "1884-establishments-in-the-british-empire"] description: "Capital city of Delta State, Nigeria" topic_path: "geography" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asaba" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Capital city of Delta State, Nigeria ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox settlement"]

FieldValue
official_name
native_name
settlement_typeCity
image_skyline
imagesize250px
image_captionOkpanam Road, a prominent avenue in Asaba
nicknamesAni Mmili, Asb
map_captionLocation of Asaba in Nigeria
pushpin_mapNigeria
pushpin_relief1
coordinates
subdivision_type
subdivision_nameNigeria
subdivision_type1State
subdivision_name1Delta State
subdivision_type2LGA
subdivision_name2Oshimili South
established_title
founderNnebisi
parts_type5 Quarters
leader_titleAsagba “Obi Eze” (Ceremonial)
leader_nameProf. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge
unit_pref
area_total_km2268
area_land_km2
elevation_footnotes
elevation_min_pointNiger River
elevation_min_m40
elevation_m55
population_footnotes
elevation_max_m201
population_total149603
population_as_of2006 census
population_est176,060
pop_est_as_of2011
population_urban500000
population_density_km2auto
population_demonym
timezoneWest Africa Time
utc_offset+1
postal_code_type
blank_nameClimate
blank_infoAw
website
nameAsaba
blank_name_sec1National language
blank_info_sec1Igbo
::

| official_name = Asaba | native_name = | settlement_type = City | image_skyline = File:Asaba 2.jpg | imagesize = 250px | image_caption = Okpanam Road, a prominent avenue in Asaba | image_flag = | image_seal = | image_shield = | nicknames = Ani Mmili, Asb | image_map = | map_caption = Location of Asaba in Nigeria | pushpin_map = Nigeria | pushpin_relief = 1 | coordinates = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = Nigeria | subdivision_type1 = State | subdivision_name1 = Delta State | subdivision_type2 = LGA | subdivision_name2 = Oshimili South | established_title = | established_date = | founder = Nnebisi | parts_type = 5 Quarters | leader_title = Asagba “Obi Eze” (Ceremonial) | leader_name = Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge | unit_pref = | area_total_km2 = 268 | area_land_km2 = | area_water_km2 = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_min_point = Niger River | elevation_min_m = 40 | elevation_m = 55 | population_footnotes = | elevation_max_m = 201 | population_total = 149603 | population_as_of = 2006 census | population_est = 176,060 | pop_est_as_of = 2011 | population_urban = 500000 | population_density_km2 = auto | population_demonym = Asaban, Ndi Ahaba, Ndi Asaba | timezone = West Africa Time | utc_offset = +1 | postal_code_type = | postal_code = | area_code = | blank_name = Climate | blank_info = Aw | website = | name = Asaba |blank_name_sec1= National language |blank_info_sec1= Igbo ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/75/NIGER_bridge.jpg" caption="First Niger Bridge"] ::

Asaba (Igbo: Ahaba) is the capital of Delta State, Nigeria. A rapidly growing urban area, it is located on the western bank of the Niger River and serves as the seat of the Oshimili South Local Government Area and Delta State Capital Territory. Asaba had a population of 149,603 as at the 2006 census, and a fast growing metropolitan population today of over half a million people.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Golden_hour_of_sunset_in_Asaba,_Delta_state_capital_on_August_7th,_2024.jpg" caption="“Sunset in Asaba, Delta State (August 2024)”"] ::

In some respects, Asaba and neighboring Onitsha in Anambra State form a continuous metropolitan region. The First and Second Niger bridges traverse the boundary between Delta and Anambra with the Niger's relatively centralized location in this region marking it as the geopolitical border between Eastern and Western Nigeria.

In October 2023, Asaba joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and was named a UNESCO City of Film.

History

Originally, Asaba consisted of nine quarters but due to internal strife, wars with other communities and slave trade that followed, these quarters were reduced to only 5. The existing quarters are:

  1. Umuezei
  2. Ugbomanta
  3. Umuaji
  4. Umuagu
  5. Umuonaje The city of Asaba was once the colonial capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. It was founded in 1884. Between 1886 and 1900, it hosted the Royal Niger Company, which the British authorities set up to stimulate trade and the exportation of goods to England.

Owing to Asaba's influential history and geography, and current strategic political and economic influence in Nigeria, Asaba is generally known as the regional capital of the Anioma area and its peoples. The clamor for creation of Anioma state has been going on for decades. Today, the Asaba area is an ancestral homeland for ahaba people.

Etymology

Asaba is from the exclamation Ahabam, meaning "I have chosen well", a quote from Nnebisi, the founding father of Asaba.

Geography

Asaba is situated on a terrace of the lower Niger River in the historic midwest of the country; lying immidiately northeast of the point of confluence with the Anambra River. Beyond the river banks, on the more extensive high plains and terraced hills, secondary forest vegetation flourishes. It is sited at the western bank of a key historic point on the river to the extent of cargo navigability, lying northwest to the city of Onitsha across. Although the current city lies just north of a marshy floodplain, expansive swaths of undulating, hilly terrain rises west and east of the main city with heights of up to 200m above sea level. The historic Niger River is a historic trans-African link beginning in Fouta Djallon range of Guinea and flows down into the Atlantic Ocean. Asaba forms a connector between western, eastern and northern Nigeria through the Niger River from the north and via the Asaba Niger Bridge, an east–west link and a Nigerian landmark. Adjoined cities of the Delta State Capital Territory, Ibusa and Okpanam, are located on an escarpment of the upland plateau to the west of the town.

Asaba lies approximately 6 degrees north of the equator and about the same distance east of the meridian; about 100 mi north of where the River Niger flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The greater Asaba metro occupies an area of about 300 square kilometers. while the area is noticeably drier than the southern areas, the city and the communities of Oshimili South in inclusion maintain an average tropical temperature of 32 °C during the dry season and an average fertile rainfall of 106 in during the rainy season.

Greater Asaba incorporates some of the other neighboring towns and communities such as Igbuzor, Okpanam, Anwai, Iyiba, Oko, Okwe and Ugbolu on the western section of the Niger River. Notable flora of the city the surrounding regions would be the Sapele tree.

Climate

| name = Asaba | width = auto | metric first = yes | single line = yes | location = Asaba (1991-2020) | Jan record high C = 39.0 | Feb record high C = 40.0 | Mar record high C = 40.1 | Apr record high C = 39.0 | May record high C = 37.6 | Jun record high C = 36.2 | Jul record high C = 36.6 | Aug record high C = 34.0 | Sep record high C = 35.0 | Oct record high C = 36.0 | Nov record high C = 37.5 | Dec record high C = 37.6 | Jan high C = 34.4 | Feb high C = 35.8 | Mar high C = 35.6 | Apr high C = 34.2 | May high C = 32.9 | Jun high C = 31.5 | Jul high C = 30.3 | Aug high C = 29.8 | Sep high C = 30.6 | Oct high C = 31.8 | Nov high C = 33.7 | Dec high C = 34.3 | Jan mean C = 28.2 | Feb mean C = 29.8 | Mar mean C = 30.1 | Apr mean C = 29.3 | May mean C = 28.4 | Jun mean C = 27.5 | Jul mean C = 26.8 | Aug mean C = 26.5 | Sep mean C = 26.9 | Oct mean C = 27.5 | Nov mean C = 28.7 | Dec mean C = 28.2 | Jan low C = 22.0 | Feb low C = 23.9 | Mar low C = 24.6 | Apr low C = 24.4 | May low C = 23.9 | Jun low C = 23.4 | Jul low C = 23.3 | Aug low C = 23.1 | Sep low C = 23.1 | Oct low C = 23.3 | Nov low C = 23.7 | Dec low C = 22.2 | Jan record low C = 11.4 | Feb record low C = 12.5 | Mar record low C = 16.0 | Apr record low C = 19.5 | May record low C = 19.0 | Jun record low C = 19.0 | Jul record low C = 19.0 | Aug record low C = 18.7 | Sep record low C = 19.0 | Oct record low C = 18.0 | Nov record low C = 11.8 | Dec record low C = 14.0 | precipitation colour = green | Jan precipitation mm = 12.7 | Feb precipitation mm = 19.8 | Mar precipitation mm = 67.0 | Apr precipitation mm = 149.2 | May precipitation mm = 240.8 | Jun precipitation mm = 301.0 | Jul precipitation mm = 338.4 | Aug precipitation mm = 301.0 | Sep precipitation mm = 339.9 | Oct precipitation mm = 234.8 | Nov precipitation mm = 34.3 | Dec precipitation mm = 2.8 | year precipitation mm = 2041.8 | unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm | Jan precipitation days = 0.7 | Feb precipitation days = 1.2 | Mar precipitation days = 3.6 | Apr precipitation days = 7.4 | May precipitation days = 11.4 | Jun precipitation days = 14.3 | Jul precipitation days = 16.2 | Aug precipitation days = 17.3 | Sep precipitation days = 16.6 | Oct precipitation days = 12.6 | Nov precipitation days = 2.2 | Dec precipitation days = 0.3 | Jan humidity = 65.8 | Feb humidity = 71.0 | Mar humidity = 79.6 | Apr humidity = 84.2 | May humidity = 86.4 | Jun humidity = 88.2 | Jul humidity = 88.7 | Aug humidity = 88.2 | Sep humidity = 89.0 | Oct humidity = 88.1 | Nov humidity = 80.9 | Dec humidity = 69.8 | Jan dew point C = 20.3 | Feb dew point C = 22.5 | Mar dew point C = 23.6 | Apr dew point C = 24.1 | May dew point C = 23.9 | Jun dew point C = 23.4 | Jul dew point C = 22.8 | Aug dew point C = 22.8 | Sep dew point C = 23.0 | Oct dew point C = 23.5 | Nov dew point C = 23.3 | Dec dew point C = 21.1 | Jan light = 12.2 | Feb light = 12.3 | Mar light = 12.4 | Apr light = 12.4 | May light = 12.8 | Jun light = 12.9 | Jul light = 12.8 | Aug light = 12.7 | Sep light = 12.5 | Oct light = 12.3 | Nov light = 12.1 | Dec light = 12.1 | year light = | Jan percentsun = 47.4 | Feb percentsun = 47.7 | Mar percentsun = 43.5 | Apr percentsun = 45.8 | May percentsun = 44.5 | Jun percentsun = 36.8 | Jul percentsun = 27.2 | Aug percentsun = 25.8 | Sep percentsun = 29.4 | Oct percentsun = 41.4 | Nov percentsun = 54.5 | Dec percentsun = 54.4 | year percentsun = | source 1 = NOAA{{cite web | url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/4.4/data/0-data/Region-1-WMO-Normals-9120/Nigeria/CSV/Asaba_65282.csv | title = World Meteorological Organization Climate Normals for 1991–2020 |format=CSV | publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | access-date = 2 August 2023}} | source 2 = Weatherbase (dew point-day light-posible sun) | Koppen Climate Type =

Climate change is causing a colder climate with a positive temperature trend, while horizontal trends indicate a decreasing trend.

Asaba experiences two distinct seasons: a warm, oppressive, and overcast wet season from March into late October and a hot, dry season from November into late February. The climate of the region is largely influenced by the prevailing movement and location of the southwesterly and northeasterly trade winds of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) respectively. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from 67 °F to 89 °F and is rarely below 60 °F or above 92 °F. Based on the beach/pool score, the best time of year to visit Asaba for hot-weather activities is from late November into late January.

Wind

The average hourly wind speed in Asaba experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. The windier part of the year lasts for 3.9 months, from May 31 to September 27, with average wind speeds of more than 5.8 miles per hour. The windiest month of the year in Asaba is August, with an average hourly wind speed of 7.3 miles per hour. The calmer time of year lasts for 8.1 months, from September 27 to May 31. The calmest month of the year in Asaba is November, with an average hourly wind speed of 4.2 miles per hour.

Clouds

In Asaba, the average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year. The clearer part of the year in Asaba begins around mid November and lasts for 3 months on average, ending around mid February. The clearest month of the year in Asaba is December, during which on average the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 46% of the time. The cloudier part of the year begins around mid February as a result of the ITCZ system. and lasts for an average of 9 months, ending around mid November. The cloudiest month of the year in Asaba is May, during which on average the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 85% of the time. Due to the Harmattan, the dry season is accompanied with a lot of dust which impedes visibility mid December–February.

Humidity

Asaba experiences extreme seasonal variation in the perceived humidity. The more humid period of the year lasts during the duration of the rainy season, from March to October. This a result of the ITCZ system pushing on humid south western trade winds. The month with the lowest humid days in Asaba is January.

Demographics

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Anchor_statue_at_Landers_Brothers_Anchorage,_Asaba,_Delta_state2.jpg" caption="Anchor statue at Landers Brothers Anchorage, Asaba"] ::

The Anioma people are the native population of Asaba with majority speaking an Enuani dialect of the Igbo language. However, the city also houses a number of immigrant ethnicities from other ethnic groups native to and surrounding Delta State.

Since becoming the administrative capital of Delta State, Asaba has grown in population to an estimated half a million people. Today, it maintains a cosmopolitan population representative of the diverse cultures in Delta State and across Nigeria.

Culture

A city with a storied past, Asaba culture is heavily influenced by the predominant Igbo culture. Asaba is culturally led by the revered Asagba of Asaba, to whom the leaders (individually referred to as the “Diokpa”) of each of the five Igbo quarters report directly on matters affecting the community. The Asagba is assisted by the Iyasele of Asaba (Iyase) who is the customary Prime Minister as well as a council of chiefs and elders (Olinzele, Otu Ihaza, Oloto etc.)

Economy

Asaba is an administrative area and seat of government established during the time of the Royal Niger Company (now UACN), and is the administrative capital of Delta. Thus civil service leads the economy and economic activities of the city's inhabitants. The Nigerian government through the administration of Samuel Ogbemudia established the Asaba Textile Mills and a power substation at Asaba. The city of Asaba hosts some pharmaceutical companies that manufacture medicines and there is also a steel mill within the city. Tourism also attracts revenue into the city, which has resulted to a booming hospitality business. In 2023, the Film Village was opened officially in hopes of boosting the already growing Nollywood entertainment industry in the city. The city is linked by second Niger bridge to its sister city and largest trading partner Onitsha and the A232 to Benin city .

Markets

There are a few major markets in Asaba: Ogbe-Ogonogo Market, Cable Point Market, Infant Jesus Market, Iyanga Market, Midwifery Market and Wazobia Commodity Market

Sport

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Stephen_Keshi_Stadium_Asaba_2.jpg" caption="Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba"] ::

The Stephen Keshi Stadium at Asaba, which has undergone recent renovations, has hosted several international competitions and soccer events since it was upgraded by the administration of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and commissioned by Nigeria's former president Olusegun Obasanjo. The stadium is the home of Delta Force FC.

Transport

Air

The city of Asaba and neighboring cities are accessible by air through the Asaba International Airport located just outside of the main city on the A232.

Asaba International Airport was commissioned in 2011 by Delta State Government.https://hotels.ng/places/airport/538-asaba-international-airport

Road

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/74/Nnebisi_road_Asaba_2.jpg" caption="Nnebisi Road, Asaba"] ::

The A232, more known as the Asaba-Benin Expressway is an important roadway which connects parts of eastern Nigeria with western Nigeria. The Ogwashi-Uku-Ughelli highway which has undergone extensive expansion also connects areas of Asaba with Ndokwa country, Ughelli and the southern reaches of the state, with the Asaba-Ebu road historically connecting the city with northern Nigeria. Construction has been undertaken south of Oko to build an expressway linking the city of the completed Second Niger Bridge with a link expressway from the riverbank to an intersection on the A232 at Okpanam still undergoing construction. The bridge serves to reduce traffic congestion along the First Niger Bridge and the A232.

Water

Asaba is served by water transportation available through the Niger River, which surrounds the easternmost stretches of the city. Until the commissioning of the First Niger bridge, the main transportation means across the Niger were ferry services were provided across to Onitsha via Cable point. The city is also planned to be serviced by the neighboring Onitsha port located south of the city.

Notable people

Gallery

File:Asaba market, Asaba, Delta state3.jpg|Ogbe-Ogonogo Market File:Asaba roundabout, Asaba, Delta state.jpg|Roundabout in Asaba File:Asaba market, Asaba, Delta state6.jpg|Junction in Asaba

References

References

  2. "Federal Republic of Nigeria: 2006 Population Census".
  3. "Delta (state, Nigeria)". population.de.
  4. Isichei, Elizabeth Allo. (1997). "A History of African Societies to 1870". [[Cambridge University Press]].
  5. Isichei, Elizabeth. (2009-01-22). "Historical Change in a Benin Polity: Asaba to 1885". The Journal of African History.
  6. (10 August 2010). "About Asaba". asaba.com/about/.
  7. "Asaba Progressive Union". www.asabaatl.org/about.html.
  8. Okenwa Nwosu (Benin Focus). (January 2, 2014). "The Politics of Second Niger Bridge". www.Beninfocus.co.uk.
  9. "A History and Tradition". Asaba Progressive Front.
  10. "55 new cities join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network on World Cities Day".
  11. Esogbue, Emeka [https://www.ibusa.net/asaba-delta%20state.htm Welcome to Asaba, the Beautiful Capital of Delta State] ''Ibusa.net''
  12. "Asaba".
  13. Letters from Nigeria, D.W. Carnegie, BiblioBazaar, LLC, {{ISBN. 978-1-103-27100-9
  14. "Anioma: Nigeria 37th State in the Making". umuanioma.com.
  15. Isichei, Elizabeth. (2009-01-22). "Historical Change in an Ibo Polity: Asaba to 1885". The Journal of African History.
  16. (23 September 2016). "Great Goddess And Shrine Of Asaba People". [[Leadership (newspaper).
  17. "Asaba, Nigeria Travel Weather Averages".
  18. "Asaba climate: Temperature Asaba & Weather By Month".
  19. "Climate Change Asaba".
  20. "Asaba Climate, Weather By Month, Average Temperature (Nigeria) - Weather Spark".
  21. "Asaba climate: Temperature Asaba & Weather By Month".
  22. Atlas, Weather. "Yearly & Monthly weather - Asaba, Nigeria".
  23. Isichei, Elizabeth. (2009-01-22). "Historical Change in an Ibo Polity: Asaba to 1885". The Journal of African History.
  24. Isichei, Elizabeth. (2009-01-22). "Historical Change in an Ibo Polity: Asaba to 1885". The Journal of African History.
  25. (24 March 2017). "Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia (1932=2017)". Guardian (Nigeria).
  26. "Second Niger Bridge, Asaba Onitsha".
  27. (November 19, 2018). "Delta Obasanjo commissions stephen keshi stadium". Vanguard (Nigeria).
  28. (2021-08-24). "Delta Govt hands over Asaba Airport to concessionaire".
  29. "Delta State Government".
  30. (9 September 2021). "Asiodu, the last titan after Ahmed Joda". Vanguard News.
  31. (2018-11-13). "Epiphany Azinge (SAN): A worthy fellow".
  32. BellaNaija.com. (2015-03-02). "Lynxxx: Everybody We Went to Seeking a Record Deal Rejected Us and Then We Decided to Start Our Own".
  33. Udo, Mary. (2017-03-13). "NDILI, Frank Nwachukwu".
  34. "Meet 11 Notable People from Delta State".
  35. (2025-01-19). "Marioneme Agwai on X (Twitter)".
  36. Udo, Mary. (2017-03-20). "NWAOMU, Dr. Patrick Ike".
  37. (2019-04-24). "Checkout Details Of Emma Nyra's Career, Personal Life And Scandals".
  38. (23 August 2009). "Asaba. A long history and Tradition". Asaba Online.
  39. Davis, Todd. (2017-02-03). "[INTERVIEW] Afro Pop Sister Trio, SHiiKANE Epitomize Black Girl Magic".

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