Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world, and one of the most important countries in Africa. The best states to live in Nigeria, therefore, attract people from all over the country, as well as the region because large numbers of people tend to congregate in popular places.

Already, Lagos is one of the biggest cities in Africa, and one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Furthermore, as a state, Lagos has set the pace for development and has been the best-governed state in Nigeria for several years. Lagos has been able to provide security, traffic management, waste disposal, and other essential services that make a place livable.

Other states in Nigeria have been able to draw some inspiration from Lagos, and have started to put structures on the ground to become attractive to people as is evident in the list below.

Nigeria has 36 states, and each of these states is unique in itself. Howbeit, not all Nigerian states are equal in terms of industrialization, civilization, and development. So what are the best states to live in Nigeria, Some of these states have great living conditions to comfortably accommodate the people living there, while others — not so much. Therefore, this article aims to write on the;

TOP 10 BEST STATES TO LIVE IN NIGERIA

1. Lagos

Lagos is the most commercial and invariably excellent state in Nigeria; no wonder it is referred to as the “state of excellence”. It is undoubtedly the most popular state in the western part of Nigeria and West Africa at large. Lagos is popularly called “Eko” and the commercial heart of Nigeria, unlike other states that totally depend on oil revenues, Lagos’s economy is diversified to manufacturing, transport, construction, service, wholesale, and retail sectors.

A visit to the Island, in suburbs like Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Victoria Garden city will leave one marveling at the cultural diversity; Asians, Europeans, Americans, and North Africans all share the space with Nigerians.

Do you love adventure? Then life in Lagos offers you the best adventure you can ever demand; it is the smallest state in Nigeria but the most populated. There is an array of celebrities, cinema, best eatery, industry, building structure, road networks, shopping mall, nightlife, investment, luxurious living, beautiful beaches, access to quality schools, the best markets presence of international airport and seaports… and all you could ever seek for.

2. Cross River – Calabar

Cross River State is one of the best states to live in Nigeria because it has everything that Lagos has, without the population and economy. Cross River State is one of the most beautiful places in Nigeria; the rolling hills of the landscape, the infrastructure, and the weather all combine to make this a wonderful place to live.

In the capital city; Calabar, the place is so clean, so well designed, and so beautiful. Miles and miles of roads have trees on both sides interlocking at the top. You will find people walking on the shaded roads; walking is a favorite pastime of many people there.

Calabar is a hub for tourism; the Obudu Cattle Ranch and Tinapa are two examples of a forward-thinking government that plans ahead and wants people from all over the world to come and live in Cross River.

Perhaps it is this interaction with people of the world that has made Calabar residents live and dress like they are in London. Cross River State is a great place to live!

3. Oyo State

Oyo State is an ancient place. This is the biggest state in the southwestern part of Nigeria, and a great place to live. Oyo State, particularly Ibadan is a historic city, one of the founding cities of the Yoruba people. Anyone who is fascinated with Yoruba culture must at least once in his life pay a visit to Oyo, where he is going to have a feel of the language and the people.

Oyo State has a beautiful geographical landscape; there are hills and mountains in the city which make travelling through it a matter of climbing and descending. The sheer scale and size of the city are something to behold; Oyo is one of the most important places in Nigeria. Important towns in this state include Sepeteri, Igboho, Fiditi, Ogbomoso, Iseyin, and Kisi.

Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state is beautiful, well-populated, and has an intellectual air about it. The University of Ibadan is the oldest University in Nigeria; and has made Ibadan an academic community. Other important attractions to the state include the Ibadan University Zoo and Agodi Zoological Garden.

4. Abuja

Abuja is the capital of Nigeria. It is a city right in the geographical center of the country, and houses all the arms and agencies of government, as well as the headquarters of some commercial organizations.

As you would expect from a Capital City; the city planning is very good. The roads are wide and well maintained, the buildings are well spaced and planned, housing estates have all the facilities you would expect, and the economy is quite good.

Abuja, therefore, attracts people from all over the country who come into work and live in the city. Aside from the good quality of life, the people enjoy in this city; there are many attractions such as Cinemas, Tennis and Basketball Courts, Night Clubs, and so on.

Abuja is quite safe; this is because it is the seat of government. People go about their businesses quite freely, and it is perhaps the best place to socialize because it is one of the best places to meet people in the corridors of power. Perhaps that is the biggest attraction in Abuja.

5. Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State is one of the most peaceful places to live in Nigeria; it is one of those places that have quietly attracted growth and development on a scale that is very impressive indeed.

The State is full of natural beauty which pulls in tourists, and it also has several historic sites such as Lord Luggard’s residence and some of the administrative buildings of old history.

The state has developed in leaps and bounds; the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is one of the most popular sports grounds in the country, and it frequently hosts international matches featuring national teams and club sides.

Some other attractions in the state include National Museum Uyo, Ibom plaza Uyo, and the popular Le Meridian Uyo- which is a five-star hotel.

6. Oyo

This is the biggest state in the southwestern part of Nigeria. One of the bubbling and thriving states in the country. Her state capital Ibadan is the country’s largest city by geographical area. In case you are looking for a cheap place to reside in the southwest of Nigeria, Oyo place definitely is for you. Oyo state is referred to as the “pacesetter state”; the main towns and cities in Oyo state are; Ibadan, Oyo, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, Okeho, Saki, Igboho, Kisi, Igbo-Ora, Lalupon, Fiditi, Ilora, Eruwa, Igbeti, Sepeteri, Ilora, Awe, Igbo-Ora, and Otu.

Oyo state is beautiful, the point of Interest includes Ibadan University Zoo, Agodi Zoological Garden, Mbari Arts Center, and traditional Festivals: Egungun, and Ode-Ibadan. Ibadan (the state capital) is densely populated with loads of tourists trooping in yearly, there are reputable higher institutions (i.e. the University of Ibadan, and Africa’s first University teaching hospital and is 45 minute drive away from Nigeria’s commercial city Lagos.

7. Enugu

Enugu State is one of the oldest and best places to live in Nigeria. The principal city of Enugu is called the Coal City because it was an important mining city in the old days when coal was an important fuel.

Enugu plays host to the University of Nigeria; the country’s first fully independent University. Enugu is therefore home to a thriving academic community; a great place to live if you enjoy intellectual conversations.

The city also has a great landscape and beautiful scenery. Big, beautiful buildings in well-planned communities give one the impression of wealth in Enugu. Some nice places to visit include New Haven, Independence Layout, Enugu GRA, and Archara Layout.

This state is often referred to as “the coal city”. The development of this state has been rapid compared to other neighboring states and it’s a very beautiful city with a nice landscape and topography with attractive building structures. It houses one of the best institutions in Nigeria the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The city and the state bear the same name because the developmental attention of the state is focused on Enugu.

8. Delta State

Delta State is an oil-rich state; and another place where you can find cultural diversity because many people from all over the country and other countries come in to participate in the thriving economy.

The state of Delta is located in Southern Nigeria and it is one of the Niger Delta states. It is an oil-producing state with one of the highest production outputs in the country, and also one of the richest states in Nigeria. Warri is another city in Delta where you can reside if you are the noisy type. The Road networks in Delta are breathtaking and well-constructed (you don’t need worry hour car bumps into a hole in the middle of the road) and the constructions are very organized.

The roads are very good; well planned and also very well maintained. The various estates are also beautiful and well planned. Furthermore, the shopping plazas, cinemas, nightclubs and so on, make the state a very bubbling place indeed.

9. Kaduna

Kaduna State is one of the coolest places where one could live a quiet life in Nigeria. It is a place where both Christians and Muslims live together as they have for centuries. Some of the attractions in this state include; The Kaduna Museum, Kajuru Castle, Lugard Foot Bridge, Kamuku National Park, and the Nok Village

Kaduna is a must-visit place for people who get caught up with the culture of the north. Kaduna is competing in the North by Kano which is more commercial than Kaduna. It is a place to make the list because it is highly populated by different indigenes across the nation and you will have a feel for every culture and tradition in the nation here in this state. It has beautiful buildings a very wide and big market where all your daily needs are gotten. Most importantly it is the “center of learning”; this is so because it has the highest number of educational institutions in the country.

10. Imo – Owerri

Imo State is one of the most peaceful and bubbling places in Nigeria. The capital city Owerri has two things in abundance; schools and hotels. Imo state has a large population of young people because they come in from all over the country for their education.

One thing that must be mentioned is the nightlife in the capital city of Owerri. The city never sleeps, and many people come in from Lagos, Delta, and Port Harcourt just for the weekend.

Imo is one of the states in southeastern Nigeria. Owerri is the capital of Imo state and is one of the best places to settle down in Nigeria. houses tourist attractions like the Oguta Lake, Ada palm plantation, Mbari cultural and art center amongst many others. The city is beautiful with good nightlife and lighting. The landscape is well laid out and the structures are an embellishment to attractive natural elements.

Other attractions include Oguta Lake, Ada Palm Plantation, Mbari Cultural center, and the various statues lining the roads.

CONCLUSION ON THE TOP 10 BEST STATES TO LIVE IN NIGERIA

Nigeria is a land of promise and boundless opportunities still thrives and is still as beautiful and bubbling as always. Nigeria is home to the continent’s fastest-growing economy and most innovative technology city Africa and not just the most populous black nation on earth.

For the sake of many considering moving to Nigeria for one reason or the other and are confused about the appropriate state and place to reside, these are the top ten best states scattered around the country where you can make your choice and enjoy your stay.

Nigeria is a wonderful place and n total opposite view of other countrymen on the Nigerian states, there are actually a lot of places in the country that are grossly improving in terms of development and you should see. Due to the reporters and media channels in Nigeria who exaggerate out of proportion but there is a need to visit around and you will see something different. If you ever want to settle down in Nigeria or you are in a particular state in Nigeria but not comfortable and want to relocate to another state, checkup the list above and make your choice.

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Finally

The best states to live in Nigeria are well planned places that offer security, good economic opportunities, and the recreational activities to help ease the tension of work or business.

A great way to determine what places match that description is to look at the number of people coming in to live in those places, as such good prospects always draw in heavy crowds.