Okigwe is a city located in the Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. It ranks as the third-largest city in the state, following Owerri and Orlu. The city serves as a significant agricultural hub, recognized as one of Nigeria's breadbaskets due to terrace cultivation practiced on its hilly farmlands.
Geographically situated between the Port Harcourt-Enugu-Maiduguri rail line, Okigwe has developed into a major cattle transit town for the South-East and South subregions of Nigeria. This role is reinforced by its proximity to the largest cattle market in the country, located in the Umu Nneochi Area of Abia State. In 2016, the Imo State government recommissioned a new cattle market within the city to serve this trade.
The city has a population of 132,237, primarily composed of immigrant workers from other states. Historically, Okigwe served as the primary host site for the old Imo State University and contains various historical and tourist sites. It is also home to St. Mary's Cathedral, which serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Okigwe.