Abia is a Nigerian state located in the country's south-eastern region. Aba, Nigeria's commercial centre, was once a British colonial administration outpost in the region and is also one of the country's most populous regions, with the capital city located in Umuahia and the main commercial hub in Aba. Abia State was formed in 1991 from a portion of the former Imo State. It is a member of the Niger Delta region and one of its component states. It is also the fifth most industrialised state in the country, and it has the fourth highest index of human development in the country, according to the United Nations, which was recorded in early 2018. It has a plethora of economic activities and a rapidly growing population, according to the United Nations. In addition, the state is home to the largest livestock market in Nigeria.