Pictures of the most beautiful state capitals in Nigeria

State capitals in Nigeria are often where the majority of state government expenditures go into. Since the inception of democracy in 1999, state governors have poured enormous amount of funds into giving their state capitals a befitting look. This has created a scenario where most state capitals comprising of a local government or two look like an eldorado at the expense of the rest of the state.


Today we look at some of the most beautiful state capitals in Nigeria and just how they compare against eachother infrastructurally and otherwise.
Enugu






Formerly the capital of Eastern Nigeria, Enugu is one of the most beautiful cities in Nigeria. Founded in the early 1900s by British colonialists who shipped coal from the city to Europe via Port harcourt, it is one of the most organized cities in Nigeria and in 2014 became the first Nigerian city to be enlisted among the most resilient cities in the world.








Ibadan




West Africa's largest city, the ancient city of Ibadan is often described as a 'broken China in the sun' by poets. This is due to the city's ancient architecture prominent in its sea of rusted roofs. The city however has a blend of the old and new and has some of the most incredible infrastructure of any city in Nigeria. The city is home to Nigeria's first high rise and Africa's oldest TV station.








Calabar






Nigeria's first capital, Calabar is a city whose beauty speaks for itself. It is Nigeria's greenest city and top tourist destination. Just revel at the pictures below.








Ikeja






Although Lagos is a city state and mentioning a local government out of 21 sounds odd but it is what it is. Ikeja is still the capital and while one can make arguments about other 'finer' parts of the state, Ikeja is a city that stands out in its own rights. The city is home to Nigeria's busiest airport and also the second largest mall in Lagos. Nigeria's largest IT and technology market, 'computer village' is also situated there.








Kano






A city of a thousand flyovers. Kano could almost compete with Dubai infrastructure wise.








Portharcourt






The capital of oil rich Rivers state is one city that cannot be missing on this list. Popularly known as the 'garden city' it is one of the most contemporary cities in Nigeria. See more pictures below.








Kaduna






We round off the list with El-rufai's Kaduna state. The state capital Kaduna is one of the most modern cities in Northern Nigeria. Formerly the capital of the northern region, it has experienced rapid infrastructural development under the tenure of Nasiru elrufai.









Other notable cities worthy of mention here include; Owerri, Akure, Uyo and Jos.