When you switch on foreign news networks, what do you see or hear about Nigeria? Violent crimes, kidnapped schoolgirls, extrajudicial executions by security personnel, and the ever-present presence of the terrible Boko haram terrorist group are all on the news.
All of this, and more, is enough to frighten people away from Nigeria, the land of endless possibilities. Nigeria is not only the world’s most populous black country, but it is also home to Lagos, the continent’s fastest expanding economy and most innovative tech hub.
In these cities, the state government ensures maximum security, with low levels of violent crime and religious crisis, among other things. Each year, tens of thousands of tourists and foreign investors visit these places. So, whether you’re considering moving to Nigeria, visiting, or working there, here’s a list of the top ten cities, in no particular order.
1. Lagos
Are you looking for a spot that is alive from sunset to dusk? One brimming with limitless chances and excellent times, as well as the good, terrible, and ugly in equal measure? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Despite its shortcomings, Nigeria/Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economy and Africa’s fastest expanding city are the places to be. The commercial capital of Nigeria, which has a functioning government and invests large sums every other year on its essential areas (health, security, and education), is a metropolis unlike any other, one that you see and feel the moment you arrive onto its beaches.
Lagos is Nigeria’s industrial and economic hub and one of the three currently recognized megacities in Africa, divided by water bodies into two main portions (Island and Mainland). It is located in the south western part of the country. In terms of industrial presence across the economy, employment opportunities, access to basic human amenities, a well-developed road network, real estate, and tourism attractions, Lagos is unrivaled.
Lagos also has numerous gorgeous coastlines, a thriving nightlife, and a business sector and mails brimming with sophisticated local and foreign brands.
2. Abuja
It is located in the Federal Capital Territory and is Nigeria’s eighth most populated city. Abuja is the same size as Lagos in terms of being well-planned, divided into phases and districts. Because Abuja is home to the president, ministers, senators, and other key government officials, there is no issue concerning security. Furthermore, social amenities of living are fairly accessible. Abuja is home to a diverse group of people from across the country, as well as foreigners. Abuja has a strong pace of development, with a GDP of $5.4 billion.
3. Cross River – Calabar
Calabar is one of Nigeria’s most desirable cities to live in. Cross River is a difficult place to put into words; it is renowned as the “Garden City” and is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states. There are several five-star hotels, a vibrant nightlife awaits travellers, and security has improved dramatically.
Furthermore, in terms of natural beauty, Cross River is one of Nigeria’s most attractive states. Calabar (the state capital) is touted to be Nigeria’s most attractive city, and new constructions are continually springing up there. The scenery and geography are stunning, but the organisation and security are tight.
4. Uyo
The fourth best city to live in in Nigeria is Akwa-Ibom, which is located in the country’s southern area. Uyo is the capital of Akwa-Ibom. The population of the state is 5.5 million people. The Ibibio, Annang, Oron, Eket, and Obolo are the primary ethnic groups in Akwa-Ibom.
The city which competes with Calabar as one of Nigeria’s most beautiful states, is home to a world-class information centre. Second, the road infrastructure is well-organised, and the streets are well-lit with solar energy. A multi-billion naira ultra-modern stadium is also located in the state. Akwa-GDP Ibom’s is $11 billion.
5. Enugu
Enugu, the capital of Enugu state in southern Nigeria, is a destination you will not regret berthing at. It is also known as the coal city and has the code name 402.
Enugu is home to the famous Nigeria coal mine, the former capital city of post-colonial Eastern Nigeria, and the final residence of Igbo’s revered Ikemba 1 of Nnewi Chief Emeka Ojukwu, as well as several prominent Nollywood creative minds.
Enugu has a good deal of everything that is important to anyone looking to migrate to a beautiful, secure, tranquil, and functional city in Nigeria.
Enugu is a place to be, from its numerous tourist attractions (Nike Holiday Resort, the coal mine, waterfalls, caves, and hills) to its well-planned road network, estates, civil service culture, and the full presence of Nigeria’s security system.
6. Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt is without a doubt one of the nicest cities to visit and maybe reside in Nigeria. Make your journey to Rivers, an area of beauty and wonder that attracts thousands of travellers each year, if you appreciate beauty and adventure.
From her culture to her people to her surroundings (places), from cuisine to drinks, pubs to gardens, and not to mention their vibrant culture in clothing and dancing.
7. Ibadan
Ibadan, the self-proclaimed largest city in West Africa and also known as the “old city,” is one of the best places to reside in Nigeria.
Ibadan, the capital of the Oyo state in western Nigeria, is a densely populated city with numerous tourist attractions, reputable higher educational institutions (University of Ibadan (formally the University College Ibadan) and Africa’s first University teaching hospital)
Located 45 minutes from Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, and is home to a slew of new real estate and property developments.
8. Kaduna
Kaduna is situated in the nation’s north central region. Kaduna’s capital, Kaduna, has a population of more than 6.1 million people. In Kaduna, there are more than 60 ethnic groupings.
Even though one is far from home, one feels at home in one of the most multicultural states in the country. Kaduna, after Kano, is the most commercial of Northern Nigeria’s states. The agricultural sector employs the majority of the workforce. Kaduna also boasts the most tertiary institutions in the country, as evidenced by its slogan, “Centre of Learning.” Kaduna’s GDP is $10.33 billion.
9. Asaba – Delta
Delta is a state in southern Nigeria that contains part of the Niger Delta. It is an oil-producing state with one of the country’s greatest production outputs, as well as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest. If you like to be loud, Warri is another place in Delta state where you can live.
For no obvious reason, the city is given special attention and is ranked top; it receives more attention and development focus than even Asaba (the state capital). The road networks in Delta are beautiful and well-built (you won’t have to worry about your car smashing into a pothole in the middle of the road), and the constructions are well-organised
10. Owerri
If you’re looking for a city that has it everything, look no further. A thriving nightlife, secure estates, good road networks, state, federal, and privately held institutions of higher learning, and a rising industrial sector? Look no further than Owerri, the capital of the Imo state in the southeast of Nigeria.
Owerri, also known as the ‘Heartland,’ is located in the heart of Aba, the industrial city to the east, Port Harcourt, the oil city to the west, Enugu, the coal city to the south, and Onitsha, the largest market in West Africa, to the north.
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