Which States in Nigeria Are Best for Tech (Beyond Lagos and Abuja)?

For years, Lagos and Abuja have dominated conversations around tech jobs, startups, and digital innovation in Nigeria. But as 2026 unfolds, more Nigerians are discovering emerging tech hubs outside these megacities.

Remote work, improved internet infrastructure, and affordable living are reshaping how tech talent chooses where to live and work. Whether you’re a freelancer, content creator, developer, or aspiring entrepreneur, understanding which states are growing in tech can help you make smarter decisions, both for your career and your gadgets.

What Makes a State “Good for Tech” in Nigeria?

Not all states are created equal. To rank as a promising tech hub, a state should offer:

• Reliable internet (fibre or stable 4G/5G coverage)

• Power stability or alternative energy options

• Affordable living costs compared to Lagos/Abuja

• Thriving talent communities, co-working spaces, or training centres

• Opportunities for freelancers, startups, and remote workers

Choosing the right state impacts not only job opportunities but also how effectively you use your gadgets. Phones with good battery life, laptops for remote work, and content creator tools become more valuable in areas with unstable power or slower internet.

Top Nigerian States for Tech Jobs and Innovation

1. Oyo State (Ibadan)

Why it stands out:

• Close to Lagos but with lower living costs

• Emerging startup and developer communities

• Strong university talent pipelines (UI, Lead City University)

• More stable power in residential and business areas

Best for: Remote workers, junior to mid-level developers, content creators, and digital marketers

Gadget tip: A laptop with long battery life or a power bank for long working hours is especially useful in Ibadan, where occasional power fluctuations occur.

2. Ogun State (Abeokuta, Ota, Ibafo)

Why it stands out:

• Borders Lagos, offering hybrid work options

• Increasing fibre internet coverage

• Affordable housing compared to Lagos

Best for: Startup founders, hybrid workers, and hardware-based businesses

Gadget tip: Smartphones with long battery life and fast charging help maintain productivity while commuting between Ogun and Lagos.

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3. Rivers State (Port Harcourt)

Why it stands out:

• Corporate demand from oil, gas, and tech firms

• Rising fintech and enterprise IT roles

• Growing coworking culture

Best for: IT professionals, enterprise software developers, cybersecurity specialists

Gadget tip: Laptops with strong performance and content creator gear like gimbals and mics are useful for creating corporate presentations or social content in Port Harcourt’s digital ecosystem.

4. Enugu State

Why it stands out:

• Government-backed initiatives for digital economy

• Fast-growing tech and startup communities

• Lower cost of living than southern megacities

Best for: Freelancers, remote customer support, entry-level tech professionals

Gadget tip: Affordable tablets or laptops with cloud syncing capabilities are great for students or remote workers operating from Enugu.

5. Anambra State (Awka & Onitsha)

Why it stands out:

• Strong entrepreneurial culture

• Growing adoption of e-commerce and fintech solutions

• High demand for digital skills in local SMEs

Best for: Digital marketers, e-commerce operators, tech-enabled traders

Gadget tip: Smartphones with reliable AI features for business apps can make everyday operations smoother.

6. Kaduna State

Why it stands out:

• State-level digital policy support

• Government focus on innovation and tech adoption

• Affordable housing and office space

Best for: Civic tech professionals, data analysts, tech policy roles

Gadget tip: Laptops with high processing power and storage are ideal for developers and data analysts in Kaduna.

Remote Work Realities Across States

Remote work has levelled the playing field. With better internet and electricity setups, Nigerians no longer need to be in Lagos or Abuja to thrive in tech.

Tips for productive remote work outside Lagos and Abuja:

• Invest in laptops with long battery life or fast-charging smartphones

• Use portable power banks and UPS solutions

• Ensure you have high-speed internet access (fibre or LTE)

• Equip yourself with virtual assistant tools, AI software, and productivity apps

You can find verified laptops, smartphones, and power solutions on Aura Shop Africa to set up your home office efficiently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Which state in Nigeria has the fastest internet after Lagos?
  Oyo, Ogun, and parts of Rivers State currently offer reliable broadband outside Lagos.
• Is it possible to get tech jobs outside Lagos and Abuja?
  Yes. Many roles are remote-friendly, and states like Enugu and Ogun are building thriving local tech ecosystems.
• Which Nigerian state is best for remote work?
  Oyo, Ogun, and Enugu balance affordability, internet access, and lifestyle for tech professionals.
• Are tech salaries lower outside Lagos?
  Local salaries may be slightly lower, but remote roles often pay the same, making non-Lagos states more cost-effective.
• What should I consider before relocating for tech work in Nigeria?
  Power reliability, internet quality, housing costs, safety, and access to learning or tech communities.

Conclusion

Tech in Nigeria is no longer confined to Lagos or Abuja. Emerging states like Oyo, Ogun, Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, and Kaduna are carving out their own niches for startups, remote work, and innovation.

When considering a move or investing in gadgets, focus on internet reliability, power stability, and community support. And remember: the right laptop, phone, or content creator tools can make all the difference in productivity—especially in states outside traditional tech hubs.