Do you live in one of the most developed states in Nigeria?
It is of the popular reason that people in the country prefer to feel they live in the most developed state in the nation.
After all, you would not want to spend your life in a state you don’t truly love. Right? This is not always true.
As a matter of fact, recent research confirmed that practically 50% of Nigerians would prefer to live elsewhere as opposed to where they live at the moment.
Well, in case you live in one of the states we’re going to feature in this article, odds are you would prefer not to go anywhere else.
The purpose of this article is to utilize research to figure out which of our incredible states are to ten most developed states in Nigeria.
While unbiased, this research takes into account factors that practically all Nigerians would concur to as desirable.
While you may have solid sentiments in any case, you can’t contend against the methodology.
A few states in Nigeria are better in health care. Some excel in education. Some exceed expectations in both – or in significantly more.
The most developed states in Nigeria ranking draws on a large number of data points to gauge how well the states are performing for their citizens and residents alike.
Notwithstanding, health care and education, state’s economy, its roads, bridges, infrastructure, its public safety, the fiscal stability of the state government, social amenities and the opportunity it affords its occupants.
So, come with me as we explore the top ten most developed states in Nigeria.
Top 10 Most Developed States In Nigeria
So, let’s get to the latest list:
LAGOS
Pack your bags because we should all be heading to the south-western part of Nigeria.
That’s according to the National bureau of statistics rankings, which picked Lagos as the most developed state in Nigeria.
This is why millions of people troop in and out of the state all year round as it is also reported that about 260,000 people come into Lagos daily.
You might be wondering why so many people visit or settle down in this state?
First, its economy is booming. Dangote group owned by the richest man in the country, Forte Oil, Honeywell group, Inter-switch among other major companies in Nigeria all have headquarters there.
Lagos, having a total of 20 local government areas, accounts for over 60% of industrial and commercial activities in the country.
75% of its revenues are internally generated revenues (higher than any other state in Nigeria), which is independent of federal grants acquired from oil revenues.
Also Read: 10 major sources of government revenue in Nigeria
This is well worth over an astounding $90 billion. This figure makes Lagos state the fifth largest economy in Africa and the highest contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria in terms of landmass. But due to its economic excellence, It is one of the most populated states in Nigeria with numbers exceeding 20 million.
This also makes the state the highest in population density. It is located in the South-west, one of the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria, and naturally, a Yoruba speaking state.
However, with the Inflow of people of diverse tribes and races from different parts of the country and internationally, Lagos has become a confluence state.
KANO STATE
Kano state comes in second place as one of the most developed states in Nigeria. It is also one of the top 20 largest states of the country.
Surprising as it may seem to see a northern state make this list, the state is no pushover. Kano State is one of the largest industrial centers in Nigeria second only to Lagos State.
Also Read: Types of manufacturing companies in Nigeria
Kano’s economy whose GDP stands at a value of $12 billion relies heavily on agriculture. According to research, about three-fourth of the total state population practice agriculture as their occupation.
Cotton and groundnuts are Kano’s primary agricultural crops for industrial utilization and exportation.
Kano State is also one of the biggest exporters of skins and hides. It is one of the north central states in Nigeria.
In terms of infrastructure, there is a very high concentration of health infrastructure and services in Kano metropolis compared to the rest of the states.
This can also be attributed to the high population in the region as data from the last census records a population of over 13 million people.
In terms of transportation, Kano State has all the modes of transportation in Nigeria at their disposal. Be it road, rail, and air transport.
Tourist attraction sites in Kano State include: Kurmi Market established in the 15th century, Kano’s centuries-old city wall, Gidan Rumfa (Emir’s Palace, the oldest continuous site of authority in Nigeria), Kano Zoo.
ANAMBRA
Anambra state situated in the Anambra basin, home to a rich base of natural gas and crude oil is the third state on our list of top ten most developed states in Nigeria.
Also Read: Crude oil – the boom that later became our doom
It is additionally blessed in different minerals resources such as zinc, iron or, glass sand, limestone and phosphate.
The economy of the state is characterized by production activities in Agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce.
The pillar of the economy of the state is commerce and for this obvious reason, businessmen from all over the country come here in a bid to grow their businesses.
This contributes fundamentally to the Internally generated revenue of the state which is a whopping $15 million and a GDP of $12 billion.
Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi have consistently remained significant towns and the center of the economy of the state.
The process of urbanization in Anambra state has fairly contributed to population growth, immigration, and infrastructure development like good road, water, power.
This results in the development of villages into towns, towns into cities and cities into metros.
A significant place to note in the state is the River Niger Bridge in Onitsha (also known as the Onitsha Bridge), which connects southeastern Nigeria with western Nigeria over the River Niger.
Other places to visit in the state are Odinani Museum, Onitsha main market, and Ogba waterfall.
RIVERS STATE
Rivers State has maintained its significance as one of the main providers of riches to the country for over a decade.
Since 2007 to date, the state ranks second across the nation with a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $21 billion and a per capita income of $3,965.
This fact alone is enough for them to rank among the top ten most developed states in Nigeria.
The state is well known for its huge reserves of crude oil and natural gas. Over 60% of the nation’s yield of crude oil is produced from the state.
Rivers State has two significant oil refineries, two seaports, airports, and different industrial estates situated all over the state.
Quick Read: Major seaports in Nigeria and their location
Energy, and particularly electricity is a key factor for economic development. Rivers State has one of the country’s most noteworthy per capita energy utilization rates.
It had a power generation limit of 400 megawatts. Transportation in Rivers State is dominantly land and water-based.
Exciting places to see in the state are Cultural Center, Statue of the famous King Jaja of Opobo, Rivers State museum, and Okrika aquatic stadium.
ABIA STATE
The fifth state on our list of top ten most developed states in Nigeria is Abia State. It is blessed with enormous reserves of minerals.
The proper utilization of these minerals has evident economic and development signs.
It is the approach of the Abia State Government to empower and encourage industrial operations in the state.
Large scale industrial establishments in the state incorporate; Nigerian Breweries; Golden Guinea Breweries, Aba Textile Mills, International Glass Industry (IGI), Aba and Modern Ceramics and so forth.
Related: List of 11 major breweries in Nigeria
A few medium scale businesses dominate most parts of the state. Theses businesses manufacture products such as plastic products, textiles, food processing and machine tool fabrication.
Aba isn’t just the significant business focal point of the State, yet additionally one of the business operational hubs of the eastern states.
Of course, another interesting place, considered as a traffic generator in the state is the Abia state University.
ENUGU STATE
Nicknamed the Coal City, Enugu’s economy in the mid-nineties relied upon coal mining in the Udi plateau; this industry was the pushing power of the state towards growth and development.
Coal is one of the common Mineral resources in Nigeria as it is used as fuel for power plants.
It has advantages for the state; it provides the state with required diversification, a cheaper rate of electricity and its local availability effectively dispels the fuel supply risk factor that has bedeviled gas as a source of fuel for power plants in the country.
Also Read: Top 50 oil and gas companies in Nigeria
Iron mineral additionally is mined, and stores of limestone, fine earth, marble, and silica sand are worked.
These minerals absolutely contribute to the inclusion of the state as one of the top ten most developed states in Nigeria.
Agriculture assumes an important job in the state’s economy; yams, oil palm items, corn (maize), rice, and cassava (manioc) are the primary yields.
Businesses incorporate textile assembling, food process, soda pop packaging, brewing, and furniture producing.
The cumulative efforts of coal mining and agriculture enable Enugu state to accrue a total Internal Generated Revenue of $54 million.
Enugu State University, the oldest state university is located in Agbani. Tourist attractions site in the state includes Nike lake, Nsude pyramids, and Ngwo Pine forests.
OGUN STATE
The Gateway state ranks number 7 on our list of top ten most developed states in Nigeria.
The state is also the ninth largest state in Nigeria in terms of GDP which is worth over $10.47 billion.
Farming, the economic pillar of Ogun, produces rice, cassava (manioc), yams, plantains, Cocoa, kola nuts, palm oil, tobacco, cotton, and timber are the principal crops.
This makes the state home to numerous food processing companies such as Nestle, Proctor and Gamble, Cway food and beverages, rite foods limited. Other companies include Lafarge Cements and Coleman’s Cable.
One of the most popular tourist centers in Nigeria is located in this state, Abeokuta, the capital city.
This splurge of companies in the state makes it a place for job opportunities for specialists and unemployed youths looking for excellent places to start their careers.
Significant vacation spots are Olumo rock, which as per convention gave shelter to early Egba pioneers; the palace of the alake noted for its assortment of ancient pieces and relics; and the Centenary Hall.
AKWA IBOM STATE
Akwa Ibom State is a prevalent civil service state with the government being the driver of development.
The fundamental economic activities of the citizens are fishing, cultivation, trading, and artisanship.
Akwa Ibom is surely one of the top ten most developed states in Nigeria.
The reason majorly is because it is one of the significant oil-producing states in Nigeria, with the greater part of the oilfields found in the deep seas of Ibeno.
The state experienced a boost in infrastructure since the turn of the decade.
The state today can make boast of an international Airport, two significant seaports on the Atlantic Ocean with the proposed development of a world-class seaport at Oron.
The state additionally brags of a 30,000-seat ultramodern sports stadium (though, not one of the top 10 biggest stadiums in Africa), and is home to the Ibom E-Library, a world-class data centre, and a 5-star Le Meridien Hotel.
OYO STATE
OYO state is the 7th largest state in Nigeria in terms of internal Generated Revenue which is valued at $42 million.
This is basically acquired from Farming which is the major occupation of the citizens of Oyo State spread across all 33 local government areas. And for this reason, they come 9th on the top ten most developed states in Nigeria.
As the incumbent government is placing focus on agriculture, the economy of the state is surely growing by the day.
The climate conditions of the state support the cultivation of crops like maize, yam, cassava, rice, cocoa, palm produce, cashew and so on.
There are various government ranch settlements in Ipapo, Ilora, Eruwa, Ogbomosho, Iresaadu, Ijaiye etc.
In terms of infrastructure, the standout landmark in Oyo State is Cocoa House, the first skyscraper built in Africa.
ABUJA
The last but not the least state in our ranking of the top ten most developed states in Nigeria is none other than the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria situated at the focal point of the nation geographically. This is for easy accessibility, low population density, climate-friendly and a large expanse of land.
The city is well planned by town planners and architects alike. This is so that the state will be developed in an orderly manner.
Real estate and management is the major driver of growth in the state. This corresponds with the extensive development and speculation the city has experienced since its creation.
This brought about a mass Inflow of individuals from all over the nation.
As indicated by the United Nations, the population of people in the state increased by 139.7% between 2000 and 2010, making it the quickest developing city on the planet.
Landmarks in the state incorporate the Central Bank of Nigeria headquarters, the Nigerian Presidential Complex, the Ship House, and the millennium towers.
Though not classified as a state in Nigeria, our list of the top ten most developed states in Nigeria would definitely be incomplete without mentioning it.
Which Is the Most Beautiful State In Nigeria?
Even as it features as one of the most developed states in Nigeria, Abuja is quite a place to be as it is also the most beautiful state in Nigeria.
The beautiful natural sceneries coupled with excellent infrastructure make Abuja stand out among others as the most beautiful state in Nigeria. It is a city with both natural and manmade tourist attractions.
Natural spots in the state include Jabi lake, Abuja zoological park, Zuma Rock and millennium Park.
Power is also supplied to the city through hydro-powered turbines in the Shiroro dam which ensures a constant supply of electricity.
Notable structures in the state include Aso Rock presidential villa, NNPC towers, ECOWAS, National Christian center, National Mosque, and CBN Headquarters.
Richest State In Nigeria
From the write up about the top ten most developed states in Nigeria, its clearly obvious that Lagos state is the richest state in Nigeria.
Lagos State is situated in the south-western area of Nigeria.
It covers just 3.577 square kilometers and has a total population of around 20 million people making it the most populated and densely populated state in Nigeria and Africa overall.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Lagos State is $19 billion and a per capita income of $4,333.
The Internally Generated Revenue of the state is also the highest which is a whopping $830 million. The state is the country’s most urban region.
Lagos is also the major Information Communications and Telecommunications (ICT) hub in Nigeria, West Africa and potentially the biggest ICT market in the continent.
All these and many other factors make Lagos State a pace-setter for other states in terms of riches. However, if you are curious to know the richest states in Nigeria, we’ve got you covered.
Summary Notes on most Developed States In Nigeria
That summarizes the rundown of the top ten most developed states in Nigeria, as at the time this post was created. What are your thoughts about this list?
Like we said earlier, trying to determine the most developed states in Nigeria is sometimes a subjective matter.
But if you’re analyzing states with the best economic situations, infrastructure, and education, this is an accurate list.
Did you find this helpful? I’m sure you will! Please like, share and drop your comments.
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