In today’s fiercely competitive job market, Nigerian graduates often face stress when hunting for that first full-time role. While competition is stiff, fresh research reveals that certain states offer better odds for securing employment. Drawing on the latest National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports, job-portal listings and state economic data, this article offers a humanised yet professional overview of where graduates stand a stronger chance of being hired — and what you need to do to make the most of it.
According to the data, just a handful of states account for a disproportionately large share of job opportunities. For example, one report found that only three states contributed to nearly 77 % of all employment listings. This means your chances aren’t just about what you studied, but where you position yourself.
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 states showing the most promise for graduates — what’s driving the opportunities, and how you can tap into them.
Table of Contents
What Makes a State a Good Bet for Graduate Employment?
Before we look at the states one by one, it’s worth understanding the key factors that elevate certain states above the rest. The headline criteria include:
- Job listings volume – A larger number of vacancies increases your raw chance of finding something.
- Economic strength / internally generated revenue (IGR) – States with stronger economies tend to have more business activity, which translates into more jobs.
- Sector diversity – Employment that spans multiple sectors (e.g., manufacturing, services, tech) gives graduates more pathways.
- Growth in infrastructure or special industries – A new refinery, major industrial park or logistics hub can open up large numbers of roles quickly.
All these factors came into play in ranking the top-10 states in question. The methodology, as reported, involved combining NBS employment and state GDP data with job-portal listings.
The Top 10 States Where Graduates Stand a Stronger Chance
Here are the states offering better employment prospects — what’s working for each, and what you should know as a job-seeker.
- Lagos State
Lagos remains Nigeria’s premier employment hub. With over 50,000 job openings in 2024 according to the report, and an IGR of more than ₦1.26 trillion, the state’s economic engine continues to run strongly. Opportunities span IT, logistics, manufacturing, construction and creative industries. For a graduate, this means plenty of possibilities — provided you can handle the competition and cost of living. - Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
Although the number of job listings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is relatively smaller (around 1,061 in 2024) and unemployment is higher at 14.1%, the nature of opportunities tends to lean more towards governmental, NGO and policy-driven roles. Graduates in administration, public policy, economics or international relations may find a better fit here. - Rivers State
With some 4,228 job openings in 2024 and an IGR of about ₦317 billion, Rivers is a strong performer, driven by oil & gas, logistics and port-city commerce in places like Port Harcourt. For engineering, environmental services, shipping and trade logistics graduates, Rivers offers tangible entry points. - Oyo State
Oyo listed approximately 3,327 job openings in 2024 and had one of the lowest unemployment rates at 2.0%. With its base in education, retail, agriculture and a growing tech scene in Ibadan, it can be especially attractive if you prefer a lower-cost location but still want decent prospects. - Ogun State
Ogun reported about 3,170 job listings in 2024, and an IGR of roughly ₦194 billion. With its industrial estates and proximity to Lagos, the state is a gateway for manufacturing, real estate and logistics roles. Graduates in technical, administrative or engineering tracks will find the ecosystem favourable. - Delta State
Delta posted around 1,680 job openings in 2024, an IGR of ₦157 billion, and an unemployment rate of 8.2%. With its ties to oil, construction, infrastructure and logistics (especially around Warri Port and Asaba), the state offers realistic paths for graduates in those fields. - Borno State
Though its internal revenue (IGR) is modest (≈ ₦27.8 billion), Borno still managed about 1,620 job openings in 2024 and an unemployment rate of 7.3%. A large share of jobs stem from government or humanitarian/NGO work, meaning roles in community development, logistics, and health may be strong entry points. - Edo State
Edo had about 1,346 job listings in 2024, with an IGR of ₦91 billion and unemployment at 4.4%. The state is notable for emerging private-sector growth in education, IT and construction, especially around Benin City. If you’re inclined towards digital skills or creative industries, Edo could be a smart move. - Kano State
Kano recorded roughly 1,275 job openings in 2024 and an IGR of ₦74.7 billion. As the commercial hub of northern Nigeria, the state’s jobs are found across trade, manufacturing, textiles and agriculture. Graduates wanting to work in production, logistics or retail could target Kano deliberately. - Anambra State
Anambra listed about 1,037 job openings in 2024, with an IGR of ₦42.6 billion and unemployment at 4.8%.The state is driven by commerce, transport and small-scale manufacturing, especially in cities like Onitsha and Nnewi. Graduates in business, marketing, accounting or logistics will find a dynamic micro-environment here.
What Graduates Need to Do to Succeed
Identifying the right state is an important first step — but success depends on how you approach the job hunt. Here are some strategic steps to boost your chances:
- Do your homework: If you’re thinking of relocating to one of these states, don’t skip the research. Understand the major employers in that state, growth sectors, cost of living and transportation infrastructure. The original study emphasises this “not relocation but research” mindset.
- Apply early and often: In states with high job listing volumes, vacancies attract many applicants. A well-tailored CV and cover letter can help you stand out.
- Network effectively: Even in states with many openings, getting noticed often comes down to personal connection. Attend career fairs, engage with alumni and use LinkedIn to link with professionals in your field.
- Make internships and short courses count: Some of the best job leads start from internships or short certification courses. Employers often view these as evidence that you’re serious and can adapt.
- Keep developing your skills: In an evolving job market, continuous learning gives you an edge. Whether it’s new software, new tools in your industry, or emerging disciplines, show that you’re proactive.
Conclusion: Reality Check with Hope
It’s important to note that even in these “top” states, securing a job is not guaranteed. The volume of job openings may be higher, but so is competition. Also, factors like your field of study, work experience, language skills, and personal initiative still matter a lot. Some states listed have very high unemployment rates (e.g., the FCT at 14.1%). So, simply targeting the right geography won’t replace solid preparation.
Nevertheless, the data offers a hopeful message: graduates who choose to position themselves geographically with insight and who adopt a methodical, proactive approach stand a better chance of getting hired. For instance, if you’re a fresh graduate in logistics or trade, population-dense states like Lagos, Ogun, Kano or Anambra might offer more openings than more remote states. If you’re in public policy or working with development agencies, places like Borno or the FCT may present specialised roles.
From my own conversations with recent graduates, the difference often comes down to mindset: one young person told me he relocated to Ibadan (in Oyo State) rather than waiting in his home town for jobs. He found a role within six months after aligning his internship and networking efforts with the local education and tech scene. Another graduate shifted from a rural area to Benin City (Edo State) and leveraged a short digital marketing course to land a job in a creative startup.
The key takeaway? Use the list of favourable states as landing zones, but equip yourself as if you’re running a marathon, not a sprint. Combine strategic location, continuous skill build-up, methodical application efforts, and networking, and you increase your odds significantly.
As Nigeria’s job market evolves, being passive is no longer an option. Graduates who stay informed, agile and anchored in reality will have far better outcomes. For those ready to make the move, the states listed above represent promising stepping stones — not guarantees — but well-informed steps on a meaningful path.
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