Rivers State, also known as Rivers, is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria (Old Eastern Region). Formed in 1967, when it was split from the former Eastern Region, Rivers State borders include Imo to the north, Abia and Akwa Ibom to the east, and Bayelsa and Delta to the west. The State capital, Port Harcourt, is a metropolis that is considered to be the commercial center of the Nigerian oil industry.

With a population of 5,198,716 as of the 2006 census and 7,492,366 in 2023, Rivers State is the 7th most populous state in Nigeria. Rivers State is a diverse state that is home to many ethnic groups: Ikwerre, Ogoni, Igbo, Ogba, Ekpeye and Ijaw. The state is particularly noted for its linguistic diversity, with 28 indigenous languages and dialects being said to be spoken in Rivers State, these include Ikwerre, Igbo, Ogba, Abua, Ogoni and Ijaw languages. Rivers State is the 26th largest state by area, and its geography is dominated by the numerous rivers that flow through it, including the Bonny River.

The economy of Rivers State is dominated by the state’s booming petroleum industry. Although the rise of the oil industry has led to increased revenue for the state government, mismanagement and corruption have prevented the state from rapid development and meaningfully tackling poverty. During the 2000s, Rivers State saw a rise in the number of cult killings committed within the state. In 2019, Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike declared Rivers State to be a Christian state.

Rivers State is considered one of the fastest-growing states in terms of modern infrastructure and urbanization in the country.

Geography

Rivers State is a predominantly low-lying pluvial state in southern Nigeria, located in the eastern part of the Niger Delta on the oceanward extension of the Benue Trough. The inland part of the state consists of tropical rainforest, and towards the coast, the typical Niger Delta environment features many mangrove swamps. Rivers State has a total area of 11,077 km2 (4,277 sq mi), making it the 26th largest state in Nigeria. Surrounding states are Imo, Abia and Anambra to the north, Akwa Ibom to the east and Bayelsa, Delta to the west. On the south, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Its topography ranges from flat plains, with a network of rivers to tributaries.

Demographics

Over the period from 1991 to 2006, the total population of Rivers State increased by close to 3 million people. The last official census showed that 5,198,716 people were living in the state, of whom 2,673,026 were male and 2,525,690 were female. Adults and adolescents aged 15 to 64 years accounted for 61% of the population in the state. Children below the age of 15 accounted for 36% of the population, and those aged 65 years and above, another 3%. Port Harcourt and Obio-Akpor had the highest number of inhabitants of any local government area, while Ogu–Bolo and Omuma had the lowest. The total area of the state was 11,077 km2 (4,277 sq mi) and the density was 635.89 inhabitants per square kilometre (1,646.9/sq mi).

According to the world population review (Population of cities in Nigeria), the capital city of Rivers state, Port Harcourt is ranked 4th on the list.

Rivers State has higher literacy rate compared to most states in the South South geopolitical zone. Its male literacy as of 2006 was 52.3% while female literacy rate was 47.7%. In the same survey, it ranked as 26th most extensive and the 6th most populous of all the states of Nigeria. A 2015 estimate put the number of residents of Rivers State at over 7 million, nearly triple the number recorded in 1991.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics projection, the population in the state was 4% of the total population of the country. Data of 2010–2015 showed life expectancies for male, 54 years and female, 57 years were very low. General mortality rate was 60 per 1000, under-5 mortality rate was 90 and maternal mortality rate was 889 per 100,000 live births, one of the highest nationwide.

Local Government Areas

Rivers State currently consists of 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs), all of which handle local administration, under an elected chairman. Each of the local government areas has its own administrative seat. They are:

  1. Abua-Odual
  2. Ahoada East
  3. Ahoada West
  4. Akuku Toru
  5. Andoni
  6. Asari Toru
  7. Bonny
  8. Degema
  9. Eleme
  10. Emohua
  11. Etche
  12. Gokana
  13. Ikwerre
  14. Khana
  15. Obio-Akpor
  16. Ogba East-Edoni
  17. Ogu-bolo
  18. Okrika
  19. Omumma
  20. Opobo-Nkoro
  21. Oyigbo
  22. Port-Harcourt
  23. Tai

Kingdoms In Rivers State

Rivers State has the following Kingdoms:

  1. Opobo Kingdom
  2. Ikuru Kingdom
  3. Abonnema Kingdom
  4. Tai Kingdom
  5. Etche Kingdom
  6. Okrika Kingdom
  7. Oyingbo Kingdom
  8. Andoni Kingdom
  9. Ogoni Kingdom