Most Preferred State for Relocation in Nigeria is Oyo – Report
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that according to the latest State Performance Index (NGF 2025) released by Statisense, Oyo State has emerged as the most preferred destination for Nigerians seeking relocation within the country.
OTN News further reports that the ranking, which identifies the top 12 states most attractive for relocation, placed Oyo ahead of Akwa Ibom, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kwara, and Osun, which make up the top five.
Others on the list include Rivers, Plateau, Cross River, Ogun, Kaduna, Kano, and Gombe.
The report cited factors such as cost of living, infrastructure, employment and business opportunities, and overall living conditions as key indicators that influence relocation choices.
Oyo’s capital, Ibadan, was particularly praised for offering urban life at a significantly lower cost compared to Lagos and Abuja.
The findings reinforce recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which ranked Oyo among Nigeria’s most affordable states in 2025.
According to the report, the state recorded an inflation rate of 18.7%, with food prices even dropping by 7% in the last month, a rare trend in a country battling rising costs.
Akwa Ibom, ranked second, was noted for its balance of affordability and economic potential despite being an oil-producing state. The FCT maintained its appeal for those seeking government-related opportunities and modern infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, continues to grapple with higher living costs despite government interventions. The state recorded a 20.2% inflation rate in May 2025, down from 22.7% in April, with food inflation standing at 15.1%. In the NBS affordability ranking for May, Lagos placed tenth among Nigeria’s most affordable states.
To cushion the impact of inflation, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu introduced several anti-inflationary measures. These include a 25% reduction in transport fares across the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), train, and ferry systems in February 2025, and the launch of Sunday Markets in 42 locations, where essential food items are sold at subsidized prices to serve more than 500,000 residents.
OTN News, however, observes that Analysts note that while Lagos retains its economic dominance, rising costs are pushing more Nigerians to consider states like Oyo, where affordability, infrastructure, and opportunities present a balance between modern living and cost-effectiveness.
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