Entrepreneurial journey in Nigeria opens doors to various opportunities, and the choice of location can significantly impact success.
In this guide, we revealed the “6 Best Cities in Nigeria for Entrepreneurs.”
Each city on this list boasts unique attributes and resources that make it an ideal hub for business innovation and growth.
Whether you are a startup enthusiast or an experienced business owner, this article will provide valuable insights into the buzzing entrepreneurial landscapes across Nigeria, helping you make informed decisions for your venture’s success.
1. Akwa ibom
Akwa Ibom is a state in the southeastern region of Nigeria. It was created in 1987 from part of Cross River state.
This is a state in Nigeria that does not get the recognition it deserves.
It is bordered by Cross River, Rivers, Abia, and Ebonyi states, and by the Atlantic Ocean. The state has a population of about 5.5 million people, mostly of the Ibibio ethnic group.
The state capital is Uyo, and other major cities include Opobo and Oron. The state is known for its rich culture, natural resources, and tourism attractions and has the best road network in Nigeria.
Akwa Ibom has good infrastructure, it is safe and the locals are very peaceful people, for these reasons it’s a home for tech entrepreneurs.
Here are some key aspects of the good infrastructure in Akwa-Ibom, and lastly our conclusion on why Akwa-Ibom is among the top best cities to live in Nigeria;
Road Network
Akwa Ibom boasts a well-maintained road network, connecting its cities and towns.
Major high standard highways and roads facilitate efficient transportation within the state and to neighboring regions, contributing to economic growth and ease of travel for residents.
Airport
The state is home to Victor Attah International Airport, which offers domestic and international flights.
This airport promotes connectivity, making it easier for businesses to thrive and for travelers to access Akwa Ibom.
Tourism Infrastructure
With its beautiful natural landscapes, Akwa Ibom has developed a strong tourism infrastructure.
Visitors can enjoy well-maintained resorts, hotels, and recreational facilities that showcase the state’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Social Amenities
Akwa Ibom provides social amenities such as parks, sports facilities like the Akwa Ibom stadium, and cultural centers.
The Akwa Ibom Stadium is a top-tier, multifunctional arena that serves as a hub for sporting events, entertainment, and recreational activities.
And this stadium meets the stringent standards set by the World Football Association for hosting World Cup qualifying matches and by the World Athletics Association for national-level competitions.
These amenities not only promote recreation but also foster community engagement and cultural preservation.
2. ENUGU
Enugu is the capital city of Enugu State in Nigeria. It is located in the southeastern part of the country and has a population of about 920,000 people.
It is known as the “coal city” because of its history of coal mining, which started in the colonial era. Enugu is also a center of the Nigerian movie industry, or “Nollywood”.
Life in Enugu is influenced by its hilly geography, its cultural diversity, and its educational opportunities.
This state has many tourist attractions, such as the Nike Lake Resort, the Ngwo Pine Forest, and the Enugu Golf Course.
Additionally, it is also home to several universities, such as the University of Nigeria, the Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and the Institute of Management and Technology.
Enugu is generally peaceful and calm, with friendly and hospitable people.
And, it is a city with a rich history, a vibrant culture, and a promising future. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of Nigeria.
However, Enugu also faces some challenges, such as poor water supply.
Water is scarce in Enugu and some of the residents drill boreholes to get water, and the presence of shale underground presents difficulty to drill through.
And the majority of the residents with tank storage get water supplied to their tanks just like it is done in Lekki part of Lagos.
Generally, Enugu is a beautiful, calm and friendly place to live as a tech entrepreneur.
Here are some key aspects of the good infrastructure in Enugu, and lastly our conclusion on why Enugu is among the top best cities to live in Nigeria;
Road Network
Enugu state boasts of a good road network, connecting its various cities and towns.
Enugu’s good road network promotes good connectivity, making it easier for people to move around, and even much easier to locate several of Enugus’s big markets and cities.
Airport
Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu majorly offers domestic flights for now.
This airport makes it easier for businesses like cab companies and food sellers to thrive around the airport area.
Tourism Infrastructure
Enugu state has a good tourism infrastructure.
Unity park and Nike lake(pronounced as Nee-ke lake) are just two good examples of the many tourism infrastructure in Enugu.
These two great parks and resorts with wonderful views are a great place to visit with family and friends, and enjoy the beauty of Enugu’s tourism.
3. Abia State
Abia state is a state in the south-eastern region of Nigeria, created in 1991 from the eastern part of Imo state.
It is named after four of its most populated regions: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo. The state capital is Umuahia, while the largest city and commercial center is Aba, which is known for its manufacturing and trading activities.
Abia state has a population of about 5.8 million people.
The people of Abia state are mainly of the Igbo ethnic group, who speak Igbo and English languages.
They have a rich culture and history, and are known for their craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and education.
And they also have a strong sense of community and family, and celebrate various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.
Abia state has a tropical climate, with two seasons: the rainy season from April to October, and the dry season from November to March.
This state is one of the most developed and industrialized states in Nigeria, with a high human development index. The state has several institutions of higher learning, such as Abia State University, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, and Abia State Polytechnic.
When it comes to tourist attractions, there is Azumini Blue River, the National War Museum, and the Arochukwu Long Juju Cave.
The new governor of Abia state who got elected in 2023, has been doing a good job in bringing so much more progress to this state, starting from good roads, education, healthcare and jobs creation.
Here are some key aspects of the good infrastructure in Abia state, and lastly our conclusion on why Abia is among the top best cities to live in Nigeria;
Road Network
Abia state has reasonably good road networks especially with the new roads constructed by the current governor.
Business And Job Opportunities
Abia has so many job and business opportunities.
Like we have said before this state is among the most industrialized states in Nigeria, the people there are very hard working and well to do entrepreneurs.
The state has a vibrant and dynamic economy, with many opportunities for business and employment.
Airport
Currently Abia state does not have an airport of its own, the locals and visitors make use of Imo state and Port harcourt airports which are about 2 hours drive.
Social Amenities
Abia has a good number of social amenities, such as clubs, good restaurants, and sport facilities.
The state has a rich and diverse culture, with many traditions and customs to learn from and enjoy.
The state has a beautiful and scenic landscape, with many natural wonders and attractions to explore and admire.
4. LAGOS
Lagos State is the most popular state in Nigeria.
It is the most populous and smallest state in Nigeria by area.
It was created in 1987 from part of the Western Region and the former Federal Capital Territory.
Additionally, Lagos is also the most populous city in Africa, and it offers a lot of opportunities for businesses and startups.
It is a hub for tech entrepreneurs, especially those who cater to the daily needs of the people.
The city of Lagos is very discouraging to live in because of the scarce land, noisy environment and the endless traffic jams on every road of the city.
Here are some key aspects of the good infrastructure in Lagos state, and lastly our conclusion on why Lagos is among the top best cities to live in Nigeria;
Road Network
Lagos state has somewhat reasonably good road networks especially on the mainland.
Lagos boasts an impressive road network that effectively links its numerous towns, cities, and streets.
However, the challenge lies in the fact that navigating this complex web of roads requires a deep familiarity with the city.
While it’s well-connected, it helps to know Lagos like the back of your hand to be able to navigate its roads with ease and beat the rampant traffic.
Also, some rivers and creeks flow throughout the state and serve as vital means of transportation for people and goods.
Business And Job Opportunities
Lagos has so many job and business opportunities.
Lagos, with its vast population of people from various corners of the world and a thriving industrial landscape, positions the city as an attractive destination for those seeking job and business prospects.
Lagos is a hub of opportunities.
The city’s diversity and robust economic activity create an environment ripe for opportunities.
Airport
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos is the busiest and largest international airport in Nigeria.
This airport made it easier for all kinds of business to thrive in Lagos.
Social Amenities
Lagos provides numerous social amenities such as clubs, sports facilities and some cultural centers.
5. ABUJA
Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria and the seat of the federal government. It is located in the central region of the country and has a population of about 3 million people.
It is a planned city that was built in the 1980s to replace Lagos as the capital. Abuja is known for its modern architecture, green spaces, and cultural diversity.
Additionally, life in Abuja is generally peaceful and calm, compared to other Nigerian cities especially Lagos.
Take note that Abuja has a tropical wet and dry climate, with a rainy season from April to October and a dry season from November to March.
Abuja has many attractions for residents and visitors, such as the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, the Millennium Park, and the Jabi Lake Mall. Abuja also has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
However, life in Abuja is not without challenges. Abuja is one of the most expensive cities in Nigeria, with high costs of housing, transportation, and utilities.
Abuja also faces problems of water shortages, and environmental pollution in some parts of the state.
Abuja is a city of contrasts, where the rich and the poor, the traditional and the modern, the local and the foreign coexist, its a city of opportunities, where people come to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Abuja is an ideal place for entrepreneurs, especially those who deal with logistics, because of its large land area and excellent roads.
Here are some key aspects of the good infrastructure in Abuja, and lastly our conclusion on why Abuja is among the top best cities to live in Nigeria;
Road Network
Abuja is one of the states in Nigeria with very good urban planning and a very good road network.
Abuja has multiple major highways connecting its various area councils.
This impressive road network makes it easy to navigate Abuja with little to no traffic, and also makes it easy for businesses to thrive.
Business And Job Opportunities
Abuja just like Lagos has so many job and business opportunities.
And obviously, the abundance of businesses and job opportunities contributed to the increase in population of this wonderful city.
This city’s robust economic activity has created an environment that is very good for opportunities.
Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is one of the busiest and largest international airports in Nigeria after Lagos.
This airport largely promotes connectivity and also makes it easier for many businesses to thrive in Abuja.
Social Amenities
Abuja has so many social amenities such as clubs, sports facilities, numerous parks, social gardens, resorts and great restaurants.
These social amenities make the city very lively and perfect for people who love to work and have fun.
Tourism Infrastructure
Abuja has some tourism infrastructure.
One popular tourism spot in Abuja is the Jabi lake, and there’s Zuma rock (the rock shown on 100 Naira note).
There are many other tourism spots.
These tourism spots are a great place to visit with family and friends and even for tourists.
6. RIVERS STATE
Rivers State is a state in the Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria. It was created in 1967 from the former Eastern Region and is named after the many rivers that border its territory.
Rivers State has a population of about 10.5 million people. It is home to many ethnic groups, such as Ijaw, Ogoni, Ikwerre, Ogba, Ekpeye, and Igbo.
The state capital is Port Harcourt, which is one of the largest and most industrialized cities in Nigeria.
Living in Rivers State could be very lively as it allows you to explore the diverse culture of the local people in the area.
The state has many tourist attractions, such as the Bonny Island, the Port Harcourt Zoo, the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, and the Rivers State Museum. The state also has a vibrant nightlife, with many clubs, bars, and restaurants.
With its large population and diverse culture, Rivers state is very good for business to thrive, especially logistics and food businesses.
Here are some key aspects of the good infrastructure in Rivers state, and lastly our conclusion on why Rivers state is among the top best cities to live in Nigeria;
Road Network
Rivers state, especially its most popular city Port-Harcourt has a reasonable road network.
One of its major roads; the popular east-west roads run through the state and some Niger Delta regions, this road connects the whole of Niger Delta and connects various communities in Rivers state.
Business And Job Opportunities
After Lagos and Abuja, Rivers state is another state with job and business opportunities.
Although the state is mostly known as a business hub.
Airport
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja is one of the busiest and largest international airports in Nigeria after Lagos.
This airport largely promotes connectivity and also makes it easier for many businesses to thrive in Abuja.
Social Amenities
Rivers state has so many social amenities such as clubs, sports facilities, numerous parks, social gardens, resorts and great restaurants.
These social amenities make the city very lively and perfect for people who love to work and have fun.
Tourism Infrastructure
Rivers state has some tourism infrastructure.
One popular tourism spot in Rivers state is the Jabi lake, and there’s Zuma rock (the rock shown on 100 Naira note).
There are many other tourism spots.
These tourism spots are a great place to visit with family and friends and even for tourists.
