Aba South is a Local Government Area in Abia State, located in southeastern Nigeria. It is one of the 17 LGAs that make up the state and forms part of the Aba urban area, a major commercial and industrial hub in the region. Aba South is located in the Abia South senatorial district of Abia State.[2] The LGA shares boundaries with Aba North, Obingwa, and Ugwunagbo LGAs. The administrative headquarters of Aba South is situated in Aba,[3] which serves as a strategic center for trade, craftsmanship, and transportation in Nigeria’s South-East.
The LGA covers an area of approximately 49 square kilometers and had a population of 423,852 according to the 2006 national census. However, due to rapid urbanization and migration, the current population is estimated to be significantly higher. The area is characterized by a dense population, a bustling market economy (including the Ariaria International Market), and a vibrant informal sector.
The economy of Aba South is largely driven by trade, small-scale manufacturing, and informal enterprise, with the area serving as a major commercial center in southeastern Nigeria. The local economy thrives on artisan craftsmanship, textile production, shoe and leatherwork, and wholesale/retail trade, which attract merchants and buyers from across the country and West Africa.
At the center of Aba South’s economic activity is the Ariaria International Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa. Ariaria hosts tens of thousands of shops and is famous for producing high-quality, locally made goods, especially leather products, footwear, clothing, and household items. Many small-scale manufacturers operate from this market, creating a dynamic informal economy that supports thousands of livelihoods.
In addition to Ariaria, Aba South is home to several other notable markets[5] that contribute significantly to the local and regional economy:
Ekeoha Shopping Centre: Located along Market Road, this is a high-end commercial hub known for the sale of fabrics, jewelry, fashion accessories, electronics, and cosmetics. It attracts upscale traders and shoppers from Abia and neighboring states. In August 2024, the Abia State Government under the leadership of Alex Chioma Otti initiated a comprehensive remodeling project to modernise the market.[6] The upgraded complex is set to feature enhanced facilities, including fiber-optic internet connectivity, reliable electricity supply, a mini-clinic, fire-fighting equipment, and CCTV surveillance, aiming to provide a conducive environment for traders and shoppers alike.[7]
Ahia Ohuru (New Market): A popular daily market, Ahia Ohuru (meaning "New Market" in Igbo) is a bustling market known for its diverse range of products, including textiles, fashion accessories, electronics, and household items. The market is located at Ngwa Road and cuts through Danfodio, Ndoki, Etche Road, to Shool Road. It shares a common fence with the Enyimba International Stadium and serves as a major distribution point for agricultural produce and household supplies. In January 2024, a section of the market was affected by a fire outbreak. In response, Governor Alex Otti visited the site and assured traders of the government's commitment to rebuilding and modernizing the market infrastructure.[8]
Nsulu Textile Market: Situated opposite the Abia State School of Health in Aba, Nsulu Market specializes in textiles, fabrics, and sewing materials. The market supports Aba’s vibrant tailoring and fashion design industry. It supplies materials to fashion entrepreneurs across Aba and beyond.[9]
Eziukwu (Cemetery) Market: The market gets its name from the Aba Cemetry which it shares boundaries with. It is a major depot for provisions, cosmetics, and all sorts of foodstuff arriving from other parts of the country.
School Road Market: A sub-section of the Ahia Ohuru, School Road is renowned for its concentration of dealers in shoes, leather works, and decoration accessories, this market complements the larger markets in Aba like Ariaria Market and Ahia Ohuru, and reinforces Aba’s reputation as a hub for quality handmade footwear and bags.[10][11]
These markets are not only centers of commerce but also hubs for skill development, entrepreneurship, and youth employment. Many artisans and traders in Aba South operate small workshops or family-owned stalls, passing skills from one generation to the next.
Despite its economic potential, Aba South continues to grapple with challenges such as poor infrastructure, traffic congestion, waste disposal issues, and inconsistent electricity supply, which affect business operations. Various government and donor-funded projects—including road rehabilitation, market restructuring, and industrial cluster development—are ongoing to address these concerns and improve the business environment.
Climate/Geography
The wet season in Aba is warm and overcast while the dry season is hot and mainly cloudy, and it is very hot all year round. Over a period of the year, the temperature typically changes from 68°F to 88°F and is rarely below 61°F or over 91°F.[12][13][14]
The average temperature in Aba South LGA is 28 degrees Celsius, and there is a 72 percent humidity level in this 49 km2 area.[13][12][14]
Hot Temperature
Aba South’s climate is characterized by a hot and mainly cloudy dry season. Throughout the year, temperatures range from 68°F to 88°F. The warmest period occurs in February, with an average temperature of 81.6°F, while the coldest month, July, averages around 75.4°F.[12][13][14]
Cool Temperature
The cool season spans from June 15 to October 7, lasting for 3.8 months. During this time, daily high temperatures remain below 85°F. August stands out as the coldest month, with an average low of 70°F and a high of 82°F.[14][12][13]
Cloud
Aba South experiences varying cloud cover percentages throughout the year. The period of clearer skies starts around November 18 and lasts for approximately 2.9 months, ending by February 13. December is notably clear, with skies being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 51% of the time on average. Conversely, the cloudier period spans around 9.1 months, beginning on February 13 and ending by November 18. April is the cloudiest month, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies around 85% of the time on average.[12][13][14]
Precipitation
Rainfall significantly influences Aba South’s climate throughout the year. The region’s annual mean temperature is 78.2°F, and its climate is classified as tropical (Am) according to the Köppen-Geiger scale. Annually, Aba South receives an average precipitation of approximately 108.1 inches (2747mm). Rainfall distribution is consistent, with September recording the highest average rainfall of 13.1 inches. Conversely, January is the driest month, with only 1.8 inches of rain. Notably, October sees the most precipitation, averaging 13.7 inches.[14][13][12]
Infrastructure
Infrastructure in Aba South is a critical determinant of the area’s economic activity and quality of life. As a densely populated and commercially vibrant part of Abia State, the Local Government Area depends heavily on its road network, transport system, and power supply to support its numerous markets, industries, and residential neighborhoods. However, years of underinvestment and population pressure have strained existing infrastructure.
Roads
Aba South has an extensive road network. Many of the internal roads, such as Port Harcourt Road, Faulks Road, Market Road, School Road, Ngwa Road, Ohanku Road, and Obohia Road were until recently in various states of disrepair, marked by potholes, poor drainage, and frequent flooding during the rainy season. These conditions affected transportation of goods and restrict access to major commercial areas, particularly Ariaria International Market and other key markets.[15]
Since 2023, Aba South has undergone significant infrastructural improvements under the administration of Governor Alex Otti. One of the most notable projects is the reconstruction and expansion of Port Harcourt Road, a major artery in Aba. This project, handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, aims to rejuvenate economic activities in the area and is scheduled for commissioning by May 29, 2025.[15]
Similarly, Faulks Road, which provides direct access to the Ariaria International Market, has seen substantial rehabilitation efforts. These improvements are expected to enhance trade and reduce flooding issues that previously plagued the area.
Other roads undergoing reconstruction include Ekeakpara-NNPC Road, Omuma Road, Eziukwu Road, Ehi Road, Clifford Road, and School Road. These projects are part of a broader initiative to restore Aba's infrastructure and improve the city's overall aesthetics and functionality.
Transport
Transportation within Aba South is predominantly facilitated by commercial minibuses, tricycles (keke napep), and motorcycles. The recent road improvements are expected to ease traffic congestion and enhance the efficiency of these transport modes. Additionally, Aba serves as a transit point for inter-state commercial transport, connecting it to cities like Port Harcourt, Onitsha, and Umuahia.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
Nigeria 
