Akwa Ibom State’s population is projected to be around 7.3 million In 2025, showing an increase of about 21% from the previous estimate of approximately 6 million.
However, the growth is attributed to improved security, industrialization, and the state’s overall development efforts. If this trend continues, the population could rise to 10.7 million by 2030.
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How Has Akwa Ibom State’s Population Changed Over the Years?
Akwa Ibom State has seen a steady increase in its population since it was created in 1987. The growth has been driven by improvements in healthcare, urbanization, and economic opportunities, making it one of the states in Nigeria with a rapidly rising population.
When the first census was conducted in 1991, the population of Akwa Ibom was recorded at 2,409,613. By 2006, during the next census, the population had grown significantly to 3,902,051.
This increase was due to improvements in healthcare, which reduced mortality rates, and the high fertility rate common in the region. Ten years later, in 2016, the population was estimated to be around 5.5 million.
In 2022, projections placed the population at about 4,979,400. Even with this steady growth, the population in 2025 has been estimated to rise to approximately 7.3 million. This is an increase of about 21% from previous estimates.
Migration to urban centers and the state’s economic development, particularly in industries like oil production, have played a big part in this population surge. Several factors have influenced this growth.
Urbanization has encouraged people to move to cities within the state to find better opportunities. Improved healthcare has also led to longer life expectancy and lower death rates.
Additionally, Akwa Ibom’s economy, supported by oil production and other industries, has attracted workers and their families. The combination of these factors has made Akwa Ibom one of the fastest-growing states in Nigeria.
Akwa Ibom State Population By Local Government
| No | Local Government Area | Population Projecton (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abak | 199,600 |
| 2 | Eastern Obolo | 85,800 |
| 3 | Eket | 248,200 |
| 4 | Esit Eket | 91,000 |
| 5 | Essien Udim | 277,300 |
| 6 | Etim Ekpo | 151,800 |
| 7 | Etinan | 242,700 |
| 8 | Ibeno | 107,200 |
| 9 | Ibesikpo Asutan | 197,600 |
| 10 | Ibiono Ibom | 270,900 |
| 11 | Ika | 104,300 |
| 12 | Ikono | 188,400 |
| 13 | Ikot Abasi | 189,800 |
| 14 | Ikot Ekpene | 202,100 |
| 15 | Ini | 142,400 |
| 16 | Itu | 183,100 |
| 17 | Mbo | 146,300 |
| 18 | Mkpat Enin | 254,500 |
| 19 | Nsit Atai | 105,600 |
| 20 | Nsit Ibom | 155,500 |
| 21 | Nsit Ubium | 182,400 |
| 22 | Obot Akara | 211,800 |
| 23 | Okobo | 147,900 |
| 24 | Onna | 176,400 |
| 25 | Oron | 125,600 |
| 26 | Oruk Anam | 246,700 |
| 27 | Udung Uko | 76,000 |
| 28 | Ukanafun | 180,000 |
| 29 | Uruan | 168,300 |
| 30 | Urue-Offong/Oruko | 101,800 |
| 31 | Uyo | 439800 |
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The Demographics Of Akwa Ibom State In 2025
Population by Age Group
| Age Group | Population | Percentage Of The Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| 0-14 years | 2,190,000 | 30% |
| 15-24 years | 1,200,000 | 16.4% |
| 25-54 years | 2,400,000 | 32.9% |
| 55 years and above | 1,510,000 | 20.7% |
Population by Gender
| Gender | Population | Percentage Of The Total Population |
|---|---|---|
| Male | 3,550,000 | 48.5% |
| Female | 3,750,000 | 52.5% |
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Ethnic
| Ethnicity | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Ibibio | 3,500,000 | 47.9% |
| Annang | 1,800,000 | 24.7% |
| Oro | 900,000 | 12.3% |
| Obolo | 600,000 | 8.2% |
| Other | 500,000 | 6.9% |
Religion
| Religion | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | 6,800,000 | 93.2% |
| Islam | 350,000 | 4.8% |
| Traditional Beliefs | 150,000 | 2.0% |