Abakaliki is the capital of Ebonyi State, which was created in 1996 from parts of Enugu and Abia states. The city lies in the north-east of Igboland, in a landscape of farmland, rocky hills and streams.
Ebonyi is one of Nigeria's main rice-producing states, and Abakaliki rice is known across the country. The area has also been mined for salt, lead and zinc for generations, and Ebonyi calls itself the "Salt of the Nation".
Top things to do in Abakaliki
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See the rice mill cluster
Abakaliki has a large rice milling area where paddy from the surrounding farms is parboiled, dried, milled and bagged. It is a busy, working place that shows how much of the region's economy depends on rice.
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Visit the salt lakes
At Okposi and Uburu, south of Abakaliki, salt has been produced from natural brine lakes for centuries, traditionally by women who boil the brine to make salt. The lakes are a heritage site as well as a source of income.
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Visit the markets
Abakaliki's markets sell local rice, yams, palm oil, vegetables, livestock and household goods, drawing traders from across Ebonyi and neighbouring states.
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Explore the countryside
Rice fields, rocky outcrops and small rivers surround the city. The landscape is greenest in the rainy season, when the paddies are planted.
Festivals and culture
New yam festivals are among the biggest celebrations in Ebonyi communities, along with masquerade displays and age-grade ceremonies. December brings homecomings, weddings and parties to Abakaliki.
Food to try
Try local Abakaliki rice with ofe akwu (palm nut stew) or tomato stew, abacha, yam with garden egg sauce, okpa and roasted plantain.
Best time to visit
November to March is the dry season and best for travel. The rainy season, from about April to October, is when the rice fields are greenest.
Getting around
Taxis, tricycles and motorcycle taxis cover the city. Abakaliki is about an hour and a half from Enugu by road, and roads continue south to Afikpo.
Questions about Abakaliki
What is Abakaliki known for?
Abakaliki is known for its rice, for the salt lakes of Okposi and Uburu nearby, and as the capital of Ebonyi State.
Why is Ebonyi called the Salt of the Nation?
Because salt has been produced from natural brine lakes in the state, such as those at Okposi and Uburu, for centuries.
How do I find events in Abakaliki?
Browse upcoming concerts, parties, festivals and free events in Abakaliki on Shows.ng, and filter by today, this weekend or this month.
