Zamfara, Anambra, Bayelsa Top List of Least Preferred States to Relocate to in 2024

Zamfara, Anambra, and Bayelsa have emerged as the top three least preferred states for relocation in Nigeria in 2024, according to a new ranking that highlights the widening disparities in attractiveness among states.

The report, which assessed relocation preferences across the country, placed Zamfara at the very bottom of the list, citing persistent security concerns and weak infrastructure. Anambra followed closely in second place, while Bayelsa came third, reflecting challenges of limited accessibility, flooding risks, and economic constraints.

Other states ranked low in the survey include Borno and Yobe in the North-East, which continue to battle insecurity; Kogi and Benue in the North-Central, often affected by communal clashes and infrastructure gaps; as well as Abia, Ebonyi, Imo, and Ekiti in the South, where poor roads, unemployment, and governance issues have hindered inflows. Edo also featured among the states with declining relocation appeal.

Analysts note that relocation decisions are typically influenced by a mix of factors, including security, economic opportunities, social amenities, infrastructure, and quality of governance. States that ranked low are often those struggling to address one or more of these critical issues.

While some of the least preferred states have enormous natural and human resources, the report suggests that failure to create a business-friendly environment, insecurity, and inadequate investment in basic services continue to deter people from moving in.

Experts argue that reversing this trend will require targeted reforms, particularly in job creation, road networks, healthcare, and security. With increasing migration from rural to urban centres, states that fail to improve their attractiveness risk being left behind in terms of population growth and investment inflows.

The findings further underline the urgency for subnational governments to take bold steps in building investor and resident confidence if they are to compete with more attractive states in the coming years.