See the (3) Best Unexpected Cities for Tech Start-ups in Nigeria

Once upon a time, if you wanted to do anything tech-related in Nigeria, Lagos was your only real option. But that’s changing — fast. Today, Nigeria is home to several growing tech hubs, with Abuja and Ibadan rising as new favorites for startups, developers, and tech enthusiasts.

Let’s break it down and see how these three cities are shaping Nigeria’s tech future.

1. Lagos – The OG Tech Capital

Lagos is still the heartbeat of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

• Home to Yabacon Valley – The area around Yaba is packed with incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces.
• Startups like Paystack, Flutterwave, and Andela all started in Lagos.
• Major events like Lagos Startup Week attract investors, mentors, and founders from all over Africa.

But Lagos has its downsides:

• High cost of living
• Traffic and poor infrastructure
• Fierce competition for talent and investment

Even with its challenges, Lagos remains the go-to city for global investors looking to tap into Nigerian innovation.

2. Abuja – Quietly Gaining Ground

Abuja may be the political capital, but it’s quickly becoming a tech contender.

• Lower cost of living compared to Lagos
• Increasing number of tech meetups and bootcamps
• Government ministries and agencies located nearby, making it easier for startups to engage with regulators

Abuja startups are thriving in healthtech, agritech, and edtech — sectors that matter deeply in northern and central Nigeria.

The vibe in Abuja is calmer, less competitive, and more community-driven, which appeals to developers and founders looking for a less chaotic environment to build.

3. Ibadan – The Underdog on the Rise

Yes, Ibadan — often overlooked — is now a serious tech player.

• Affordable rent and operational costs
• Growing student population, thanks to schools like UI (University of Ibadan)
• Presence of startups like Prospa and AltSchool Africa building from Ibadan

Ibadan’s close proximity to Lagos means founders can travel for meetings or funding while building affordably in a smaller city.

More co-working spaces and tech communities are popping up, making it a great place for early-stage startups and freelancers.

So, Which City Is the Best for Tech in Nigeria?

• Choose Lagos if you want access to the big players, investor networks, and a fast-paced startup environment.
• Choose Abuja if you want peace, policy access, and a more relaxed community vibe.
• Choose Ibadan if you’re on a budget and want to grow quietly without the Lagos pressure.

At the end of the day, Nigeria’s tech scene is no longer one-city focused — and that’s a great thing. The future is regional, and talent is everywhere.