Survey highlights safety, affordability, healthcare and power supply as key drivers of family wellbeing across states

Kano and Rivers states have emerged as Nigeria’s top locations for family wellbeing, according to a new report by SBM Intelligence that assessed quality of life across key social and economic indicators.

The report, based on residents’ responses in eight states, evaluated factors including safety, income, healthcare, school quality, childcare access, affordability and electricity supply—offering a broader picture of what shapes everyday living conditions for Nigerian families.

Kano secured the top spot, with respondents giving strong ratings for safety, affordability, childcare access and perceived reliability of grid power. Rivers followed closely in second place, buoyed by positive assessments of family stability, healthcare services and minimal disruption to daily life.

Abuja ranked fourth overall. While the Federal Capital Territory performed well in income levels and access to support networks, its standing was dragged down by concerns over high living costs and a poor outlook on electricity supply.

At the bottom of the ranking, Cross River recorded the weakest performance, struggling across nearly all measured indicators.

 Notably, the report found that almost nine in ten respondents in the state expressed a desire to relocate, underscoring deep dissatisfaction with living conditions.

The findings reflect a shift in how Nigerian families evaluate where to live, with income no longer the sole determinant. Issues such as safety, cost of living, healthcare access, education quality, electricity and basic infrastructure are increasingly shaping decisions about family life.

SBM Intelligence also pointed to Lagos’ declining position, linking it to a worsening housing affordability crisis. In contrast, improved security measures in Kano and stronger public perception of healthcare in Rivers were cited as key factors boosting their rankings.