Asaba is a city situated on the western bank of the Niger River and serves as the capital of Delta State, Nigeria. It is one of the three towns that make up the Oshimili South Local Government Area. As a rapidly developing urban center, Asaba had a recorded population of 149,603 according to the 2006 census. However, its metropolitan area has since expanded, now accommodating a population of over half a million residents.
The city of Asaba was once the colonial capital of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate. It was founded in 1884 and, between 1886 and 1900, served as the headquarters of the Royal Niger Company, which the British authorities established to promote trade and export goods to England. Today, that company has evolved into UAC Nigeria PLC.
Scottish explorer William B. Balkie, while signing a trade treaty with Igbo chief Ezebogo in Asaba on August 30, 1885, remarked:
"After our salutations, I spoke of friendship, of trade, and of education, and particularly enlarged upon the evils of war, and the benefits of peace, all of which was well received."
Owing to Asaba's historical significance, geographical position, and its ongoing political and economic influence, it is widely regarded as the regional capital of the Anioma area. The movement for the creation of Anioma State has been ongoing for decades.
Asaba, the capital of Delta State in southern Nigeria, is located on the western bank of the Niger River, directly opposite Onitsha, and along the road to Benin City. Traditionally, it has been a major market center for agricultural products such as cassava, yams, palm oil, palm kernels, and kola nuts, primarily traded by the Igbo people.
Historically, Asaba gained prominence when British explorers Richard and John Lander were captured by the Igbos in the area in 1830. The town later became a trading post for Sir George Goldie’s National African Company and served as the administrative headquarters of the territory governed by the Royal Niger Company from 1886 to 1900.
Asaba has long been an important hub for palm produce and other agricultural exports, facilitated by the Asaba-Onitsha ferry. The city's connectivity improved further with the completion of the 4,606-foot (1,404-meter) bridge linking Asaba to Onitsha in 1965.
The town is home to a teacher-training college and several other educational institutions. Additionally, there are lignite deposits in the surrounding areas.
As of 2008, Asaba had an estimated population of 350,128.
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