Aba is the largest city in Abia State and one of the main commercial and manufacturing centres of south-eastern Nigeria. It is known as the "Enyimba City", meaning "elephant of the people".
Aba is famous for its makers: thousands of small workshops produce shoes, bags, clothing and leather goods sold across Nigeria and West Africa under the label "Made in Aba". The city also has an important place in history as the centre of the 1929 Women's War against colonial taxation.
Top things to do in Aba
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Shop at Ariaria International Market
Ariaria is one of the largest markets in West Africa, full of traders and workshops selling shoes, clothes, fabrics, bags and building materials. Go with time to spare and be ready to bargain.
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See "Made in Aba" craftsmen at work
In clusters of small workshops around the markets, shoemakers, tailors and leatherworkers cut, stitch and finish products by hand. Many will make shoes or clothes to order.
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Learn about the 1929 Women's War
In 1929 thousands of women in the Aba and Owerri areas protested against colonial taxation and abuses by warrant chiefs. The Aba Women's War is remembered as one of the most significant anti-colonial protests in Nigerian history.
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Catch a football match
Aba is football-mad. The city's club, named after its nickname, has been crowned champion of Africa twice, and home matches at the city stadium draw passionate crowds.
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Go out in the evening
Aba's bars, lounges and hotels host live music, comedy and parties, and the streets come alive with suya, roasted fish and nkwobi sellers after dark.
Festivals and culture
New yam festivals and masquerade displays are held in communities around Aba. December is the busiest time, with homecomings, weddings, concerts and church events across the city.
Food to try
Try ofe ukazi (okazi soup), ofe akwu (palm nut soup) with rice, abacha with ugba, nkwobi, isi ewu and pepper soup.
Best time to visit
November to March is the dry season, and December has the most events. Rain falls from about April to October, and some roads flood after heavy storms.
Getting around
Tricycles, taxis and motorcycle taxis are common. Traffic around the markets is heavy. Aba is about an hour from Port Harcourt and about an hour from Umuahia by road.
Questions about Aba
What is Aba known for?
Aba is known for its markets, especially Ariaria, for "Made in Aba" shoes and clothes, for its football, and for the 1929 Women's War.
Why is Aba called the Enyimba City?
Enyimba means "elephant of the people" in Igbo, a nickname that reflects the city's size and strength.
How do I find events in Aba?
Browse upcoming concerts, parties, comedy shows and free events in Aba on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
