By Clement Abayomi
Now, let’s face it. Nigeria might have a reputation for being a lively place to live, but there’s no denying that safety is one of the top priorities for anyone choosing to live in a place. Think: Would you choose to live in a lively, beautiful environment plagued by (deathly) insecurity? Soonest, 2025 will be closing its 365 chapters, but Nigeria still struggles with balancing both urban and rural settings with safety efforts.
Nigerians, not excluding non-Nigerians, have asked and are still asking: “Where is really safe to live in the country?” Of course, lots of breaking news on insecurity continue to break the hearts of Nigerians who now think safety is just an illusion in the country. Thanks to the following Nigerian states whose environments still promise safety, order, and serenity.
These states are not just random picks; each reminds us that community cooperation together with government efforts can change the narrative of insecurity in Nigeria.
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Cross River State
Cross River State has been reported as one of the safest states to live in Nigeria. _BuzzCentral TV_ (May 2025) described Cross River State as “Nigeria’s PEACE capital”, with “a calm atmosphere, friendly vibes and low crime rate”. Moreover, _NZEPRO_ (2024) had initially stated that the capital, Calabar, is “often celebrated as one of the cleanest cities in Nigeria, known for its warm hospitality, low crime rate . . .”, stressing that “the city’s green environment and cultural significance . . . make it one of the safest places to live in the country”.
Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory, is worthy of mention as one of the safest places to live in Nigeria. Abuja is Nigeria’s political and administrative centre. It enjoys tight security networks, regular patrols, and neatly zoned residential areas. As _BuzzCentral TV_ reported, “wide roads, clean streets, and high security make Abuja one of the most peaceful and well-organised cities in the country”. Nairaland Forum had before now explained that Abuja “has many security installations which help to fight crime”, making it ”hard for crime to occur without getting detected . . . ”. This positions Abuja as one of the safest cities in Nigeria.
Akwa Ibom
This state has also been recognised for its peaceful atmosphere. Highlighting the metrics for considering the state as one of the safest in Nigeria, _BuzzCentral TV_ explained that Akwa Ibom is characterised by “strong community values and tight security”, adding that the state is a “top spot for peaceful living and tourism”. Besides, its capital, Uyo, has been described by _NZEPRO_ as orderly and serene.
Enugu
A state popularly known as the Coal City, is another site of safety with calm atmosphere and environment. _BuzzCentral TV_ described Enugu as a “quiet, serene and organised” state in Nigeria; its locals are “friendly” and “crime rate is low”. _NZEPRO_, maintained this fact by reiterating that Enugu remains one of the most peaceful cities in Nigeria, with well-organised urban areas and a safe environment.
Lagos
Known for its chaotic environment, surprisingly ranks among the safest states in Nigeria. In fact, _NZEPRO_ in its 2024 report stated that Lagos has been ranked 8th among the safest cities in Africa. Among others, areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki are examples of places characterised by order and calm(ness) (_BuzzCentral_ 2025). This is because those areas are said to have advanced surveillance and private security networks. As _BuzzCentral TV_ put it, Lagos has “smart policing, better infrastructure, and rapid emergency response”. All of these make its environment the safest to live in.
Oyo State
It has also been ranked among the safest places to live in Nigeria, particularly Ibadan. _NZEPRO_ reported that Ibadan in Oyo State maintains a low crime rate and a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere. Besides, the combination of affordable living and strong local security makes the city peaceful. As _Nairaland Forum_ made known, vigilante groups in Oyo complement the state’s formal security to maintain peace.
Ondo State
In addition, _NZEPRO_ enlisted Ondo State as one of the safest places in Nigeria. According to its report, Akure in Ondo State combines “development and tranquility. Its roads, clean environment, and calm way of life make it one of the safest cities in southwestern Nigeria”. Adeiza (2017) stressed the foregoing in the statement below:
“. . . Ondo State capital is without doubt one of the . . . safest cities to live in Nigeria. Residents of various religious groups live together in harmony and they are always willing to lend support and help whenever asked. The security lapses which exist in the city have been well taken care by the huge investment in security by the state government”.
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Above all, safety in Nigeria, contrary to stereotypes, is neither a myth nor an illusion. Nigeria still has cities where safety is highly prioritised and invested in. As a reminder to other states, security demands shared commitment (that is, collaborative efforts from the government and the people). To enjoy safety, Nigeria as a nation must find it! _“Na who find peace go see am!”_. The aforementioned states did not merely find peace; they also live it!
