Kano State has emerged as the best state to raise a family in Nigeria, according to a new report that examined quality of life, infrastructure, safety, and affordability across eight states between January and May 2026.
The report by SBM Intelligence, titled Where Nigerian Families Actually Thrive, combines findings from two separate surveys: a Quality of Life Survey involving 442 respondents and a Power Survey involving 191 respondents.
Together, the surveys assessed 15 indicators ranging from income levels and healthcare access to electricity supply, childcare, education, safety, and housing affordability.
According to the report, Kano topped the composite ranking due to strong performance across several critical indicators.
An excerpt from the report explained how Kano came in at first place. It reads thus,
The report noted that while income levels in Kano remain lower than in major commercial cities, families appear to benefit from lower living costs and improved public safety, creating a more stable environment for raising children. SBM Intelligence added that the findings challenge common assumptions that Nigeria’s wealthiest or most commercially active cities automatically provide the best quality of life for families.
At the bottom of the ranking was Cross River State, which scored last on 11 of the 15 measured indicators. The report described the state as facing a broad quality-of-life crisis, with nearly nine out of ten residents indicating a desire to relocate.
Respondents cited poor infrastructure, weak healthcare systems, unreliable electricity supply, and deteriorating education standards as major concerns.
SBM Intelligence linked many of the findings to wider national realities already visible across the country. Lagos, for example, continues to struggle with rising housing costs and worsening affordability pressures, despite remaining Nigeria’s commercial hub.
The report also highlighted policy interventions that may be influencing outcomes in some states. Kano’s relatively high safety score was partly attributed to the deployment of a 2,000-member neighbourhood watch structure and intelligence-sharing arrangements with neighbouring states aimed at tackling insecurity.
SBM Intelligence said the power survey served as a broader measure of infrastructure quality and economic confidence, arguing that electricity access remains directly tied to living standards and economic productivity in Nigeria.
Nairametrics previously reported that the Kano State Executive Council approved N8.5 billion for the execution of infrastructure, health and education projects across the state.
The approvals were announced by Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya after the 37th council meeting held at Malam Aminu Kano House, the Governor’s Lodge in Abuja. According to the commissioner, the decisions followed extensive deliberations on governance and development priorities affecting the state.
Among the approved projects, N251.9 million was set aside as compensation for properties affected by the construction of a five-kilometre dualised road in Bagwai Local Government Area. Another N148.8 million was approved for the construction of an orphanage hostel at Nassarawa Children’s Home, while N147.2 million was earmarked for the clearance and construction of an access road linking Farin Ruwa and Yan Kwadi village in Shanono Local Government Area.
Earlier, the state government had also approved over N6.9 billion for infrastructure development, social welfare programmes and governance-related projects across Kano. The approvals covered road construction, drainage systems, water supply, education, entrepreneurship and legislative reforms, reflecting the state’s broader push to close infrastructure gaps and strengthen institutions.