10 Most Developed States in Nigeria (2024)

There are some states in Nigeria that are well developed with infrastructures and basic social amenities like portable drinking water, hospitals, good road networks, power supply, etc. These developed states are also among the richest states in the country and can survive independently from federal allocations using their internal generated revenue (IGR).

While the development of these states are mostly seen in their various capitals, other areas are also not left out. Take for example, Lagos and Rivers states are just one of the few rich states where development isn’t restricted to their capital alone but to other areas of the state. The only disadvantage of these developed states is the cost and standard of living which is on the high side.

TOP 10 MOST DEVELOPED STATES IN NIGERIA (2024)

In no particular order, we list out the top (10) ten most developed states in the country based on infrastructural development, basic social amenities and standard of living.

LAGOS STATE

Lagos tops as the most developed state in Nigeria and also one of the richest states in the country amassing a Gross Domestic Product of $33,679. This figure makes Lagos stand out as one the areas in the country where business thrives. No wonder this state is seen as the commercial center of Nigeria.

With an estimated population of about twenty million persons and still increasing, the economy of Lagos is the 5th largest in Africa with IGR standing at more than N300 million on an annual basis. Areas within Lagos such as Lekki, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Ikeja (capital) are just a few places within the state where development can be seen.

ANAMBRA STATE

Anambra state is another rich state with a very low poverty rate in the country this 2018. This feat was made possible due to the policies of the past and present government of the state to save and invest the resources of Anambra judiciously, especially in human infrastructures.

This has led to development in major sectors of the state’s economy. The major cities in the state where business thrives are mostly at Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka, the state capital. Moving round Anambra, you would notice the increase in the literacy level and that about 65% of its population are highly urbanized as they live in the cities where the cost of standard of living is normal.

RIVERS STATE

Rivers is also one of the most developed states in Nigeria that has contributed greatly to Nigeria’s economical success. Located in the South-south region of the country, Rivers is one of the oil producing states in Nigeria with many top oil and gas companies operating there. Also, the state’s GDP which stands at $21,073 billion makes her one of the richest states in the country.

The state capital is at Port Harcourt and its just one of the few developed cities within the state where business and other investments thrive to its fullest. Rivers state is rich in natural gas and crude oil. The presence of good road networks, an airport, sea ports and multinational firms are just but a few indices that suggests that Rivers high level of urbanization and development can’t be questioned.

ABIA STATE

The reason you find Abia among the states that are developed in Nigeria is because of Aba, one of the major industrial cities within the state where businesses such as textile manufacturing, footwear, soap, cement, plastics are produced. You can even find top pharmaceutical companies situated there.

Aside this, Abia state is also an oil producing state that has experienced a lot of benefits from the oil and gas sector which accounts for 36% of the state’s GDP. Record shows that over 70% of the workforce are engaged in agriculture in the state while the manufacturing sector also contributes to the development of the state.

ENUGU STATE

Enugu has been tagged as one of the most peaceful states in the country due to the state government investing heavily in security to ensure that residents within the state are been protected at all cost. Within Enugu, you would notice that basic amenities, electricity and infrastructures aren’t lacking there.

In terms of education, the state has some of the best schools in the country such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Enugu University of Science and Technology, ESUT.

KANO STATE

Kano is state located in the northern region of Nigeria and was formed in 1967. Over the years, it has grown to be the most developed state in north with its population according to the 2006 census being the most populated state within the country just behind Lagos.

The wealth of Kano state is seen in her IGR as the state has amassed a GDP of over $12 billion. Just in 2018, the Kano state government scheduled a five year water development plan to disburse portable water to Kano indigenes in the nearest future. This project is said to cost about N100 billion aside other developmental projects going on in the state.

OGUN STATE

Ogun state has also joined the trend of states that are developed in Nigeria as the state government unfolded a 3-year infrastructure development plan on urban redevelopment. The main aim of the programme is to alleviate the status of the state to be able to compete with the likes of Lagos and other wealthy states in the country.

This programme which would cost a sum of N140 billion and will see the various major road constructions and rehabilitation, street light installation and drainage facilities among others stretched to all the three senatorial districts, namely, Ogun Central, Ogun East and Ogun West respectively.

AKWA IBOM

Akwa Ibom State is also a very rich state that has been lucky to have good governors over the years of its existence. Created on the 23rd of March 1987 by the then Military Administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, this oil producing state is located in the South-Southern region of Nigeria and is termed the small London of the country.

If you pay a visit to Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom, you would be amazed at the rate of developmental projects aside the tourist centers and the side attractions of the people of the state. In fact, the current government reeled out its 5 point agenda on how to develop the state and has since lived to its billing.

The government apart from creating good road networks and other state of the art facilities like the Godswill Akpabio stadium which was built to international standard has focused more on job creation, poverty alleviation, wealth creation, economic inclusion and infrastructural consolidation and expansion.

OYO STATE

Oyo state is also on our list of most developed states in Nigeria as the investments found in the state ranked Oyo as the 4th largest economy in the country. With a natural advantage in agriculture due to it large expanse of farm land, Oyo is doubling down with investments in mechanized farming to become number one in food production in Nigeria.

The government is also investing heavily in infrastructure to power the growth of their industrial base. Also, in terms of tourism, the sector also helps beef up the state’s internally generated revenue.

ABUJA

This is the official capital of Nigeria and the seat of the president and other top parastatals. Abuja undoubtedly has the most developed parts of the country due to the fact that it enjoys funds from the presidency.