A new report by SBM Intelligence has ranked Kano State as the best place to raise a family in Nigeria, outperforming Lagos and Abuja. Cross River State was ranked last among the eight states assessed.
Report Methodology
The report, titled 'Where Nigerian Families Actually Thrive,' evaluated states based on 15 indicators including income levels, healthcare access, electricity supply, childcare, education, safety, and housing affordability. Data was collected from two surveys: a Quality of Life Survey with 442 respondents and a Power Survey with 191 respondents, conducted between January and May 2026.
Why Kano Topped the Ranking
According to the report, Kano achieved the highest composite score due to strong performance in several critical areas. Residents reported the best perception of grid electricity supply, the safest streets, the most affordable daily life, and the easiest access to childcare among the states surveyed. While income levels remain lower than in major commercial cities, lower living costs and improved public safety create a more stable environment for raising children. The state's relatively high safety score is partly linked to a 2,000-member neighbourhood watch structure and intelligence-sharing arrangements with neighbouring states.
Full Rankings
- Kano - 3.92
- Rivers - 3.29
- Oyo - 3.09
- Abuja - 2.97
- Anambra - 2.85
- Bauchi - 2.81
- Lagos - 2.61
- Cross River - 2.1
Performance of Other States
Rivers State came second, driven by strong healthcare outcomes, family stability, and the lowest disruption frequency in the survey. Abuja placed fourth, performing well on income and social support but weakened by rising living costs and negative sentiment around electricity supply. Lagos, despite being Nigeria's commercial hub, continues to struggle with rising housing costs and worsening affordability pressures, which hurt its overall ranking. Cross River State scored last on 11 of the 15 indicators, with nearly nine in ten residents expressing a desire to relocate. Poor infrastructure, weak healthcare, unreliable electricity, and deteriorating education standards were cited as main concerns.
The findings challenge the assumption that Nigeria's wealthiest or most commercially active cities automatically offer the best quality of life for families.
