Top 10 Most Developed States in Nigeria [2024 List]

In Nigeria, certain states have established infrastructure and essential social amenities such as portable drinking water, hospitals, good road networks, and power supplies, among other things. These developed states are also among the wealthiest in the country, and they can live without relying on federal aid by generating their revenue (IGR)

While the progress of these states is primarily seen in their capitals, other locations are not overlooked. For instance, Lagos and Rivers are among the few wealthy states whose growth extends beyond the capital to other parts of the state. The only disadvantage of these industrialized countries is their high cost of living and style of living.

Nigeria is a beautiful and thriving country rich in natural riches and human resources.

What Are The Most Developed Areas In Nigeria Right Now?

When people ponder which states are the best to live in Nigeria, most answers are based on hearsay and opinions. However, I decided to look at some data using the available statistics and facts.

A good starting point is to look at the world’s most developed countries. There we can find hints about prosperity, economic growth, quality of life, and other factors influencing our decision.
As a next step, I analyzed how each of these 36 states in Nigeria is doing in terms of economic development. In my research, I used each state’s Gross State Product (GSP) as a base for analysis. For example, I compared GSP per capita with other states to see which ones are more prosperous than others. I also looked at the unemployment rate – it is an essential indicator of the quality of life in any country.

Nigeria gained independence on October 1st, 1960, and was separated into regions before being divided into states, with 36 states and a federal capital territory presently in place.

Cities and communities contribute to the growth of each state and the economy of Nigeria as a whole in those states.

Though no Nigerian state can be considered fully developed because there is still much work to be done before they can be compared to other countries, certain Nigerian states are more developed than others.

In today’s article, we’ll discuss Nigeria’s top ten most developed states and the essential information you need to know about each of them. These states are ranked based on basic amenities, internally generated revenue, the standard of living, poverty index, infrastructure development, and various other factors.

1. Lagos

Lagos is Nigeria’s most developed state, with a population of over 20 million people and functioning as the country’s economic hub.

The state is one of Africa’s leading financial capitals. Lagos earned an estimated revenue of 334 billion nairas (equal to US$920 million) in 2017, up 10.43% from 2016.

Despite being the smallest state in the country, Lagos remains the most economically important, with many of Nigeria’s largest corporations headquartered there.

In terms of infrastructure development, Lagos state is well developed because it has some top universities like the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), etc. It also has a good number of primary and secondary schools and hospitals within its territory. The state has an efficient transportation system that links all parts of the state with neighboring states and other parts of the country.

Lagos is Nigeria’s most developed state and one of the country’s wealthiest, with a Gross Domestic Product of $33,679. This figure distinguishes Lagos as one of the country’s most prosperous cities. It’s no surprise that this state is regarded as Nigeria’s business capital.

Lagos’ economy is the 5th largest in Africa, with an estimated population of almost twenty million people and still growing, with an annual IGR of more than N300 million. Lekki, Banana Island, Ikoyi, and Ikeja (capital) are just a handful of the areas inside Lagos where development can be seen.

2. Abuja

Nigeria’s federal capital territory, Abuja, is located in the center of the country’s map. The city was primarily constructed in the 1980s and is where Aso Rock, home to Nigeria’s president, is located.

Abuja is Nigeria’s capital city, not a state, so don’t make the mistake of referring to it.

In today’s Nigeria, Abuja is one of the most beautiful and well-developed/planned cities. This Nigerian metropolis is in the heart of the country, and it was established in December 1991 to replace Lagos State as the country’s capital.

As the nation’s capital, you can expect growth to be a priority, at least in the city’s key areas.

3. Anambra State

Anambra state is another wealthy state in Nigeria, with a shallow poverty rate in 2018. This achievement was made possible by the state’s past and current governments’ policies of prudently saving and investing the state’s resources, particularly in human infrastructures.

Onitsha, a historic harbor city from pre-colonial times, is one of Anambra’s significant cities.

Anambra is also one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states. The first Nigerian commercial refinery, Orient Petroleum Refinery (OPR), had its foundation laid in the Aguleri area in 2006. The Federal Government granted Orient Petroleum Resource Ltd (OPRL), the company that owns OPR, a license in June 2002 to build a private refinery with 55,000 barrels per day.

4. Kano State

Kano state was established on May 27, 1967, and it has a total size of 20,131 km2. Kano State, located in northern Nigeria, is the most developed state in the region.

Kano state, with a population of approximately 9.2 million people, is one of Nigeria’s most populous states, according to the 2006 census.

Kano State, in terms of agriculture, is a state that prioritizes agriculture and human resources, with groundnuts as the primary agricultural product, as well as other agro-commodities

Other agricultural commodities that the country relies on, such as pepper, millet, rice, and others, are grown in Kano state, which has benefited the state’s IGR and aided the country’s economy.

Kano state’s richness may be observed in her IGR, as the state has a GDP of over $12 billion. In 2018, the Kano state administration announced a five-year water development plan to provide Kano residents with portable water. Apart from other development projects in the state, this project is expected to cost around N100 billion.

5. Abia State

Abia is a state in Nigeria’s south-eastern region, and it is one of the country’s most developed. Umuahia is the state capital, while Aba, previously a British colonial administrative outpost in the region, is the largest commercial hub.

It is one of the component states of the Niger Delta area, having been formed in 1991 from a portion of Imo State.

The commercial center of Aba is significantly developed. Gas and crude oil are abundant in the center, and local production of these popular goods accounts for about 40% of the state’s gross domestic product.

Abia is one of Nigeria’s more developed states because of Aba, one of the state’s major industrial centers where enterprises such as textile manufacture, footwear, soap, cement, and plastics are created. Even some of the world’s most prestigious pharmaceutical corporations are located there.

Aside from that, Abia is an oil-producing state that has reaped significant profits from the oil and gas sector, which accounts for 36% of the state’s GDP. According to records, over 70% of the state’s workforce is employed in agriculture, with the manufacturing sector also contributing to the state’s development.

6. River State

Rivers is also one of Nigeria’s most developed states, contributing significantly to the country’s economic success. Rivers is one of Nigeria’s oil-producing states, with numerous prominent oil and gas corporations operating there. It is located in the country’s south-south area. Furthermore, with a GDP of $21,073 billion, the state is one of the wealthiest in the country.

Rivers State was established on May 27, 1967, and has since been one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states. We expect the state to be the most developed in Nigeria with its crude oil wealth, but even if it isn’t, we can’t leave it off our list because it is well-developed.

The popular city of Port Harcourt serves as the capital of Rivers State, which is located in Nigeria’s south-central area.

If you are a business person, you should consider Rivers State since, like Lagos State, it has a history of thriving businesses of all kinds.

7. Enugu State

Enugu State is another Igbo-speaking state in Nigeria that is among the most developed. In recent years, this state has seen enormous development initiatives that have changed the face of Enugu for the better.

Enugu State has become a visitors’ paradise on earth, with excellent road networks, a plethora of retail malls, superstores, hotels, and immaculately constructed luxury homes

The state is also a popular tourist destination, with a high standard of living. Enugu’s education is among the best in the country, and the state’s electricity supply is excellent, facilitating the growth of enterprises in all parts of the state.

Enugu State, often known as The Coal City, is a Nigerian state that was created on August 27, 1991.

Enugu state is one of Nigeria’s most developed states, with a diverse range of commercial activities contributing to the state’s IGR.

The state is quite calm and has a high amount of development going on in it; from its inception, it has grown at an increasingly rapid pace.

Enugu is one of the most developed cities in the country’s south-eastern region.

8. Ogun State

The state of Ogun is also near to the state of Lagos. The slogan for the state is “The Gateway State.” Ogun is a highly industrialized state with many industries that have paved the way for massive development. It also serves as the headquarters for numerous Nigerian pentecostal churches.

The state also has a lot of excellent foreign secondary schools and Babcock University, one of Nigeria’s most costly universities. In Ogun State, there are adequate road networks and a growing number of job prospects. The people’s general standard of living is likewise high.

Ogun state has also joined the list of Nigeria’s most developed states as a result of the state’s new government’s recent infrastructure improvements.

It is a South Western state that borders Lagos, which is the first on our list. Ogun state is commonly referred to as an industrialized state, and it is Nigeria’s third most industrialized state after Lagos and Kano.

Ogun State, Nigeria’s number one industrial hub, remains one of the most popular destinations for job seekers and recent graduates. The presence of industries and other international corporations in this state has substantially boosted her IGR, which in turn has greatly aided the state’s overall development.

9. Oyo State

Oyo State was established on February 3, 1976, and it has a total area of 28,454 km2. Oyo State is a state in Nigeria’s South-Western area that also made our list of the top 10 most developed states.

Kwara, Benin Republic, Osun, and Ogun State share the state’s borders. Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state, has a very amazing economy.

Oyo state, like Ogun, is noted for having a significant variety of industries and, as of 2018, it had Nigeria’s fourth-largest economy.

The state has good infrastructural development and a well-planned modern city, thanks to its high IGR.

Another significant state in Nigeria with well-developed infrastructure is Oyo. In addition to the Republic of Benin, the state is flanked by the states of Kwara, Osun, and Ogun.

In addition, Oyo State is home to the first Nigerian university, the University of Ibadan, which gained full autonomy from London shortly after Nigeria’s independence. Many high schools, multiple universities, numerous attractions for visitors from all around Nigeria and beyond, and chances for persons interested in agriculture abound throughout the state. Crops such as maize, millet, rice, cocoa, and plantains are grown in the state because of the favorable climate.

10. Imo State

Imo State, sometimes known as the Eastern Heartland, is another oil-producing and developed state in the country. Owerri, Nigeria’s capital, was formerly the cleanest city in the country.

Imo is the country’s best-educated state, and as one of Nigeria’s most developed, it has a wealth of excellent road networks, desirable hotel destinations, exciting nightlife, a well-lit city at night, beautiful government administrative buildings, and, as previously stated, a good educational system.

The state also benefits from significant domestic revenue as well as federal funding, which aids in its huge expansion. You only need to go to Imo to get a sense of how much the state has progressed, particularly in Owerri.

What is the richest 36 state in Nigeria?

Lagos State is often considered one of the wealthiest states in Nigeria due to its significant economic activities, including being the financial hub of the country. Other states, such as Rivers and Delta, also have substantial revenue from the oil and gas industry.

What Is The Fastest Growing State In Nigeria?

With the state’s population and the Lagos State government’s dedication to constructing a smart city, we can confidently assert that Lagos is Nigeria’s fastest-growing state, followed by others. There are a lot of fast-growing cities in Lagos

What State Is The Richest In Nigeria?

Lagos State is the wealthiest in Nigeria and has recorded the highest Internally Generated Revenue [₦418.99 Billion, which is about 32.1% of Nigeria’s total IGR}.

While the state is the smallest in terms of area, it is also one of the most densely populated in the country. Lagos State is estimated to have a population of 14.3 million in 2020. The state government has put in place structures to take advantage of this reality, and the state has long been at the forefront in some areas.

What Is The Most Educated Tribe In Nigeria?

It has also been claimed that this ethnic group has the highest number of professors, particularly in the Yoruba state of Ekiti. Aside from that, Yorubas hold many top executive positions in businesses.

Because of its progress in the educational sector, UNESCO has named Lagos the most brilliant state in the country, with a literacy rate of 92 percent. It may be argued that this was due to them being the first to embrace western education. Whatever the case, the Yorubas are one of Nigeria’s most educated tribes.

What Is The Most Peaceful Tribe In Nigeria?

The Yoruba tribe is the friendliest and most accommodating ethnic group in Nigeria. The fact that they are more courteous cannot be disputed because they were the first place in Nigeria to have Western civilization. This is because they possess specific characteristics that make them inviting.

Yoruba cities and towns have a higher concentration of people or visitors than any other part of the country. These places include Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ota, and Oshogbo, to name a few.

The Southwestern State is a major economic center in the country, with numerous manufacturing, technological, and banking companies.

What are the 10 poorest state in Nigeria?

1. Sokoto
2. Kebbi
3. Zamfara
4. Yobe
5. Jigawa
6. Gombe
7. Taraba
8. Ebonyi
9. Adamawa
10. Nasarawa

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