• Government House, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
  • Mon to Sat: 8.00 am – 6.00 pm

Abia State

FAQ

Straight answers about Abiaarise, about Abia State, and about planning a visit.

About Abiaarise

What is Abiaarise?

Abiaarise is a home for Abia’s places, stories, and events. It brings together photo-led guides to the state’s sights, a free membership, and a way to get in touch with us.

Is membership free?

Yes. It is free to join and free to keep. Read how it works.

Can I book a tour through Abiaarise?

Not yet. Our tour guides page explains how to find and hire a local guide, and our heritage tours give you ready-made routes.

How can my business or guiding service be listed?

Write to hello@abiaarise.ng with a few details and we will be in touch.

About Abia

What is the capital of Abia State?

Umuahia is the capital. Aba, about an hour south by road, is the commercial city. Read more about both.

How many local governments does Abia have?

Seventeen. See the full list with their headquarters.

Where does the name Abia come from?

From four places: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo. Afikpo later became part of Ebonyi State. The state was created on 27 August 1991.

What languages are spoken?

English is widely used, and Igbo is the main local language. Around Aba and Isiala Ngwa, people speak the Ngwa dialect.

Planning a visit

How do I get to Abia?

Umuahia has no scheduled commercial airport at present. The nearest reliable option is Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, about an hour and a half by road. Port Harcourt is about two and a half hours away, and Enugu about two hours. A new Abia airport at Umunna Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North has been under construction since 2024, so check its status before you plan around it.

How far is Aba from Umuahia?

About 49 km in a straight line, and roughly an hour to an hour and a half by road, depending on traffic.

When is the best time to visit?

The dry season, from November to April, makes travel easier and suits river visits such as the Azumini. Festivals cluster in September and December. See activities for more.

Do the museums charge entry?

Fees and opening hours change, so ask at the gate or contact the museum before you go.

Can I take photographs?

Usually yes, but ask first, especially when people are in the frame or when you are inside a church, a shrine, or a museum.

Is it safe to travel in Abia?

As with any trip in Nigeria, check your government’s current travel advice and recent local news before you go, tell someone your plans, use licensed transport, and travel in daylight where you can.

Membership and help

I forgot my password. What do I do?

Use the password reset page and we will email you a link.

How do I update my profile?

Log in, open your member hub, and choose Update profile.

I found a mistake on the site. Who do I tell?

Write to support@abiaarise.ng with the page address and what needs fixing. We will take it from there.