Onitsha, Nigeria
Major city · Population 1.6M
Onitsha is the 8th largest city in Nigeria with a population of approximately 1,553,000 people as of 2026. This makes it the 295th largest city in the world, accounting for 0.69% of Nigeria's total population of 223.8M. Onitsha is classified as a major city and operates in the Africa/Lagos timezone.
Population
1,553,000
Global Rank
#295
Country Rank
#8
% of Nigeria
0.69%
Onitsha on the Map
Nigeria at a Glance
Country Population
223,800,000
Capital
Abuja
Region
Western Africa
Major Cities
107
GDP per Capita
$1,084
Life Expectancy
54.5 years
Urban Population
63.0%
Growth Rate
0.02%
Other Major Cities in Nigeria
Nearest Major Cities
Closest cities to Onitsha with over 100,000 people
| City | Population | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Nkpor | 103,733 | 5 km |
| Atani | 230,000 | 16 km |
| Nnewi | 193,987 | 21 km |
| Awka | 167,738 | 32 km |
| Okigwe | 115,499 | 72 km |
| Owerri | 545,000 | 79 km |
| Uromi | 108,608 | 79 km |
| Enugu | 950,000 | 85 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Onitsha?
The population of Onitsha, Nigeria is approximately 1,553,000 people, making it the 295th largest city in the world and the 8th largest in Nigeria.
Is Onitsha the capital of Nigeria?
No, the capital of Nigeria is Abuja. Onitsha is the 8th largest city in the country.
What timezone is Onitsha in?
Onitsha is in the Africa/Lagos timezone.