Cross River State, located in Nigeria’s southern region, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant history, and stunning natural landscapes. The state is organized into several Local Government Areas (LGAs), each with distinct features and administrative headquarters. This article offers a detailed list of all the LGAs in Cross River State along with their respective headquarters.
Table of Contents:
Cross River State Overview
- Total Land Area: 21,787 Km²
- Capital: Calabar
- Population: 4,097,143 (Male: 2,089,543; Female: 2,007,600)
- Vegetation: Tropical Savannah and Monsoon
- Major Crops: Cocoa, Rice, Cassava, Oil Palm, Rubber, Banana, Pineapple
- Solid Minerals: Limestone, Clay, Salt, Tin, Granite, Basalt, Quartzite, Kaolin, Sand, and Feldspar
- Agricultural Zones: Ogoja, Ikom, and Calabar
Cross River has 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), each with its own unique characteristics and attributes. These LGAs play a crucial role in the governance and administration of the state. Here is a list of the 18 Local Government Areas in Cross River State:
- Abi LGA
- Akamkpa LGA
- Akpabuyo LGA
- Bakassi LGA
- Bekwarra LGA
- Biase LGA
- Boki LGA
- Calabar Municipal LGA
- Calabar South LGA
- Etung LGA
- Ikom LGA
- Obanliku LGA
- Obubra LGA
- Obudu LGA
- Odukpani LGA
- Ogoja LGA
- Yakuur LGA
- Yala LGA
List of Cross River State’s 18 Local Government Areas with their Headquarters
| Local Government Area | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| Akamkpa | Akamkpa |
| Akpabuyo | Ikot Nakanda |
| Bakassi | Ikang |
| Bekwarra | Abuochiche |
| Biase | Itigidi |
| Boki | Boje |
| Calabar Municipal | Calabar |
| Calabar South | Anantigha |
| Etung | Okpoma |
| Ikom | Ikom |
| Obanliku | Sankwala |
| Obubra | Obubra |
| Obudu | Obudu |
| Odukpani | Odukpani |
| Ogoja | Ogoja |
| Yakurr | Ugep |
| Yala | Okpoma |
- Akamkpa:
- Headquarters: Akamkpa
- Located in the southern part of Cross River State, Akamkpa LGA is known for its agricultural activities, with farming being the predominant occupation of the residents. The area is also rich in natural resources.
- Akpabuyo:
- Headquarters: Ikot Nakanda
- Akpabuyo LGA is situated in the coastal region of Cross River State. It is known for its beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, including the Tinapa Resort and the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
- Bakassi:
- Headquarters: Ikang
- Bakassi LGA is notable for being a coastal area with several fishing communities. It shares borders with the neighboring country of Cameroon and is known for its unique geographical location.
- Bekwarra:
- Headquarters: Abuochiche
- Bekwarra LGA is located in the northern part of Cross River State. The area is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional festivals, and the warm hospitality of its people.
- Biase:
- Headquarters: Itigidi
- Biase LGA is renowned for its agricultural productivity, particularly in the cultivation of crops such as cassava, yam, and cocoa. It is also home to several tourist attractions, including the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Boki:
- Headquarters: Boje
- Boki LGA is situated in the central part of Cross River State. The area is known for its stunning landscapes, including the famous Agbokim Waterfalls and the Cross River National Park.
- Calabar Municipal:
- Headquarters: Calabar
- Calabar Municipal LGA is the capital city of Cross River State. It is a major economic and cultural center, with several historical landmarks, such as the Slave History Museum and the Duke Town Church.
- Calabar South:
- Headquarters: Anantigha
- Calabar South LGA is located in the southern part of Calabar city. It is known for its vibrant markets, bustling waterfronts, and the annual Calabar Carnival, which is one of Nigeria’s most significant cultural events.
- Etung:
- Headquarters: Okpoma
- Etung LGA is situated in the eastern part of Cross River State. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, fertile farmlands, and traditional cultural practices.
- Ikom:
- Headquarters: Ikom
- Ikom LGA is known for its agricultural activities, including the cultivation of crops like yam, maize, and plantain. The area is also home to the famous Ikom Monoliths, a collection of carved stones with historical significance.
- Obanliku:
- Headquarters: Sankwala
- Obanliku LGA is located in the northern part of Cross River State, close to the border with Cameroon. It is known for its cool climate, hilly terrain, and tourist attractions like the famous Ranch Resort and the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
- Obubra:
- Headquarters: Obubra
- Obubra LGA is situated in the central part of Cross River State. It is known for its agricultural productivity, bustling markets, and the annual New Yam Festival, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the area.
- Obudu:
- Headquarters: Obudu
- Obudu LGA is famous for its mountainous landscapes and the popular Obudu Cattle Ranch, a major tourist destination in Nigeria. The area is known for its pleasant climate and breathtaking views.
- Odukpani:
- Headquarters: Odukpani
- Odukpani LGA is located along the Calabar-Itu Highway. It is known for its agricultural activities, palm oil production, and the Odukpani Yam Festival, which attracts visitors from far and wide.
- Ogoja:
- Headquarters: Ogoja
- Ogoja LGA is situated in the northern part of Cross River State. It is known for its vibrant markets, cultural festivals, and the agricultural activities of its residents, including the cultivation of crops like yam, cassava, and maize.
- Yakurr:
- Headquarters: Ugep
- Yakurr LGA is known for its agricultural productivity and the Ugep Yam Festival, which is a significant cultural event in the region. The area is also renowned for its traditional arts and crafts.
- Yala:
- Headquarters: Okpoma
- Yala LGA is located in the northern part of Cross River State. It is known for its fertile farmlands, agricultural activities, and cultural festivals that celebrate the heritage of the people.
Conclusion: Cross River State in Nigeria is divided into various Local Government Areas (LGAs), each with its own administrative headquarters. This article provided a comprehensive table listing all the LGAs in Cross River State, along with their respective headquarters. Exploring the LGAs of Cross River State offers a chance to experience the cultural diversity, natural beauty, and historical heritage of this captivating region in Nigeria.
Note: For further information about each LGA, including a detailed history, population statistics, and tourist attractions, it is advisable to visit the official website of the Cross River State Government or the respective LGAs’ official websites, if available.
List of Languages Spoken in Cross River State
| LGA | Languages |
| Abi | Agwagwune; Humono; Ikwo-Igbo |
| Akamkpa | Agoi; Bakpinka; Doko-Uyanga; Efik; Lubila; Nkukoli; Ukpet-Ehom; Ejagham; Kiong; Korop; Ubaghara; Ukwa; Umon |
| Bekwarra | Bekwarra; Tiv; Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike |
| Biase | Agwagwune; Efik; Ubaghara; Ukwa;Umon |
| Boki | Bete-Bendi; Bokyi |
| Calabar | Efik; Ejagham |
| Ikom | Efik; Ejagham; Abanyom; Bukpe; Efutop; Mbembe,; Nde-Nsele-Nta; Ndoe; Nkukoli; Nnam; Olulumo-Ikom; Yala |
| Obanliku | Bete-Bendi; Evant; Iceve-Maci; Obanliku; Otank; Tiv |
| Obubra | Agoi; Hohumono; Legbo; Lenyima; Leyigha; Lokaa; Mbembe; Nkukoli; Yala; Ikwo-Igbo |
| Obudu | Bete-Bendi; Bukpe; Bumaji; Elege; Tiv; Ubang; Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike; Efik |
| Odukpani | Efik; Ejagham; Idere; Kiong; Korop; Odut; Usaghade |
| Ogoja | Ekajuk; Igede; Kukele; Mbe; Nkem-Nkum; Nnam; Utugwang-Irungene-Afrike; Uzekwe; Efik |
| Yakurr | Lokaah; Agoi, Asiga |
| Yala | Izii-Igbo; Mbembe; Igede; Yace; Yala; Kukelle |
Other languages spoken in Cross State are Eki, Ibibio, Ilue, Ito, and Okobo.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the knowledge cutoff of January 2024. Please verify with official sources for any recent updates or changes.
