Enugu State, in southeastern Nigeria, is experiencing economic growth, with several Local Government Areas (LGAs) making notable contributions. As the state advances with major development plans and attracts more investors, some LGAs are emerging as key drivers of its economy.
This guide ranked the top five wealthiest LGAs in Enugu State, based on strong business activities, including areas with booming trade, agriculture, real estate, and services.
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Top 5 Richest Local Government In Enugu state, Nigeria
Here are the top five wealthiest local government areas in Enugu State, Nigeria, including their estimated population in 2025:
| Rank | Local Government Area | Estimated Population (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enugu North | 479,000 |
| 2 | Enugu East | 547,000 |
| 3 | Nsukka | 615,000 |
| 4 | Igbo-Eze North | 513,000 |
| 5 | Udi | 473,000 |
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1. Enugu North
Enugu North is the richest Local Government Area (LGA) in Enugu State, Nigeria. The estimated GDP of Enugu North is around ₦200 billion as of 2024. Also, Enugu North is the most developed Local Government Area in the State. With a population of about 479,000 people in 2025, Enugu North has grown steadily due to its strong economy and rising urban life.
This LGA is home to top industries like Nigerian Breweries Plc, Innoson Group, Juhel Nigeria Ltd, and ANAMMCO, which all contribute to boosting local manufacturing and trade. These companies provide jobs and attract business from other parts of the state and country.
Enugu North is also the political center of the state, housing the Enugu State Government Secretariat and other key ministries. This brings in a lot of government income and investment into the area.
The presence of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC) and other schools also contributes to the local economy, as they attract students, teachers, and businesses. Tourist attractions like Enugu Museum, Polo Park Mall, and Enugu Golf Club increase income through tourism and leisure.
2. Enugu East
Enugu East is one of the wealthiest local governments in Enugu State, Nigeria. It is part of the Enugu metropolitan area and also contributes to the state’s economy, government activities, and city development.
As of 2025, the area had an estimated population of about 547,000 people, and that number keeps growing because more people are moving there for better living.
Between 2023 and 2025, Enugu East has received major attention in the state’s budget. A large portion of state spending has gone into fixing roads, building new ones, and improving public services like schools, hospitals, and water supply.
This has made life better for the people and has also attracted more businesses. Enugu East is known for its busy markets, estates, and business centers. Many small and medium businesses operate there, creating jobs and bringing in revenue.
The area is close to many state offices and private businesses, which boost trade. In the local government area, the main language spoken is Igbo, but English and Nigerian Pidgin are widely used too.
3. Nsukka
Nsukka Local Government Area is regarded as one of the richest and most economically active in Enugu State, Nigeria. The presence of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), plays a notable part in the town’s economy by attracting students, lecturers, and researchers, which increases demand for housing, shops, food, and transport.
Nsukka received major funding from the state budget for building roads, improving schools and hospitals, and other public services. These capital projects have helped the area grow rapidly.
Better roads have made it easier to trade and move around, boosting business activities. Nsukka’s farming strength is also key, with large production of yams, cassava, maize, and vegetables.
This agricultural success contributes a lot to Enugu State’s economy, making up about 28% of the state’s earnings from agriculture. Enugu State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) jumped from ₦37.4 billion in 2023 to ₦144.7 billion by September 2024, showing a 286.2% increase, and Nsukka played a big part in that growth.
As Enugu State targets a $30 billion economy by 2031, Nsukka is set to benefit more through public-private partnerships in farming, tech, and tourism.
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4. Igbo-Eze North
Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area is fast becoming the richest and most progressive LGA in Enugu State, Nigeria. The area is lively and full of economic activity, with an estimated population of 513,000 in 2025.
However, the 2025 budget is at ₦5.63 billion, with 53% going to salaries and operations, while 47% is used for capital projects like roads, markets, schools, and hospitals.
Under the leadership of Chairman Uche Ogalla, the LGA follows a six-point agenda focused on farming, roads, healthcare, schools, youth training, and jobs.
Most roads across the 20 wards have been fixed, improving movement and business. Important roads like Nsukka-MCC-Igbo-Eze North and Japan Road have been worked on.
Markets are being upgraded to help small businesses grow. Health centers are being revived, and new solar-powered boreholes have been installed in places like Umuogbo Inyi for clean water.
Farming is the backbone of the area’s economy. The local government is also improving its revenue through better tax collection and tapping into solid minerals.
5. Udi
Udi Local Government Area (LGA) is now seen as one of the richest and fastest-growing areas in Enugu State, Nigeria. This is due to its close location to Enugu city, good farming land, and developing roads and buildings.
The area grows yams, cassava, maize, and vegetables that are sold both locally and in nearby places. Udi also has busy markets like Ogbete and Achi, which bring in money to the local government.
Small and medium businesses are growing, too, with support from the local government through loans and business training. These businesses create jobs in areas like retail, services, and small manufacturing. This supports the goal of increasing Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion by 2031.
Udi is also growing fast in real estate, with new houses and shops being built. With over 473,000 people living there in 2025, Udi’s large population supports its strong economy.