Nigeria is a country with states that have state of the art facilities and infrastructure as well as states with little or no infrastructural development. The states that are well developed include the likes of Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna and several others. These states have good infrastructural development when compared to some other states. These include basic amenities like potable water, good road network, reasonable power supply and many other facilities.
However, when it comes to development in these states, the capital of these states tend to attract more development due to their integral position. But, in some cases, development isn’t limited to only the state capital. For instance, some parts of Lagos like Victoria Island and Lekki have been able to attract development despite not being the city centre.
Most developed states in Nigeria
In this post, we take a look at the ten most developed states in the country in no particular order. This list is based on various attributes of these states like access to basic amenities, infrastructural development and the standard of living of these states. So let’s get started
Lagos
Lagos state easily makes our list as one of the richest state in the country. the state has a GDP of $33,679 which is higher than the combined GDP of 42 African nations. In fact, Lagos state is the 5th largest economy in Africa with annual internally generated revenue (IGR) of N302 billion.
This figure is greater than that of 30 states combined. Currently, Lagos state is said to have a population of over 20 million residents. The state is an important economic centre in the country and over the years, it has been able to attract massive development thanks to its huge annual IGR.
Anambra
Anambra is reputed to have the lowest poverty rate in the country. The major cities in the state are Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka. The state is also one of the major states in South Eastern Nigeria. It was created in 1976 from part of the East Central State. The state’s capital at that time was Enugu.
However, in 1991, there was a restructuring which led to Anambra State being divided into Enugu and Anambra. Currently, the capital of Anambra is Awka. The state is highly urbanized with more than 60% of the population living in cities. Also, the state has a high level of education and literacy.
Rivers
Rivers is one of the oil-rich states of the country and this has greatly contributed to the state’s high level of urbanization and development. The state has an airport as well as sea ports for out-of-state transportations. Also, there is a network of good roads for inland transitions.
The history of Rivers State dates back to 1967 when it was created out of the old Eastern region. The slogan of Rivers state is the Treasure Base of the Nation and this name is quite apt as the state is known for its crude oil deposits. The capital of Rivers, Port Harcourt is one of the most developed cities in Nigeria and many international oil companies have offices in this city. The GDP of Rivers is one of the highest in the country which is estimated at $21,073 billion.
Abia
Abia is also one of the oil-producing states in the country. The oil and gas sector of the state contributes over 39% of the state’s GDP and this has also influenced the development of the state. The state has a vibrant manufacturing sector which accounts for 2% of the GDP.
One of the most popular parts of the state is Aba, which is also the industrial centre of the state. Aba is involved in textile manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, soap, plastics, cement, footwear, and cosmetics. Along with oil production and manufacturing, agriculture is also an important part of the state’s employing over 70% of its state’s population. As a means of further developing the state, the Abia State Government recently built a 9,000 capacity multipurpose International Conference Centre in Umuahia.
Enugu
Also known as the coal city, Enugu is a quiet city with basic infrastructure and amenities. There is a steady supply of water and electricity as well as a great education system. The state is home to several tertiary institutions which include the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the first indigenous university in Nigeria, State University of Science and Technology, ESUT.
Kano state
Kano was created from Northern Nigeria in 1967 and it has grown over the last 50 years to become one of the most developed states in the country. The state is also known for its large population as result from the 2006 census revealed that Kano is the most populous state in the country although many statistics indicate otherwise.
The state has a GDP of over $12 billion. In 2018, Kano state unveiled a 5-year water development plan which is expected to cost over N98 billion. Also, as a way of improving the ambience of the state, the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) commenced the removal of hundreds of illegal structures in the state in 2015.
Ogun State
Ogun State is located in the South-western part of the country. The state is home to several tertiary institutions and manufacturing companies which have greatly contributed to the development of the state.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom State is located in the South-Southern region of Nigeria, and the state is one of those that has enoyed the dividends of democracy as well as good governance. If you haven’t visited Akwa Ibom, it should be one of the states on your list to visit. The state is well developed with excellent road network, state of the art facilities and many other infrastructures. The fact that Akwa Ibom is one of the oil-producing states in the country has been pivotal in boosting the development of the state.
Oyo State
Oyo State for sure is one of the most developed states in Nigeria as the infrastructures found in the state are quite excellent. The popular Cocoa House used to be the tallest building in West Africa and the prestigious University of Ibadan is reputed to be the best university in Nigeria
Abuja
Our list cannot be complete without Abuja. Although it is not a state, Abuja is unarguably one of the most developed parts of the country.