Abia State has emerged as the most improved state in Nigeria’s 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), climbing 26 places from 36th position in 2024 to 10th place in the latest ranking released by Phillips Consulting.
According to the report, Lagos retained its position as Nigeria’s best-performing state, maintaining strong results across key governance, fiscal and economic indicators. Ogun and Kaduna secured second and third positions respectively, while Adamawa and Niger rounded out the top five.
The findings were published by Phillips Consulting and reported by TheCable.
Top 10 Performing States
The 2025 ranking placed the states in the following order:
1. Lagos
2. Ogun
3. Kaduna
4. Adamawa
5. Niger
6. Nasarawa
7. Gombe
8. Jigawa
9. Plateau
10. Abia
Beyond Abia’s remarkable rise, Niger also posted a notable improvement, moving from 29th place in 2024 to fifth in 2025. Adamawa climbed from 26th to fourth position.
Bayelsa and Kano Suffer Sharp Declines
While several states recorded significant gains, Bayelsa and Kano experienced some of the steepest falls in the rankings.
Bayelsa dropped from sixth position in 2024 to 29th in 2025, while Kano slipped from seventh place to 30th.
Phillips Consulting attributed the rankings to a revised methodology that places greater emphasis on measurable outcomes, transparency and objective performance indicators.
The firm said the updated framework rewards states that demonstrate stronger fiscal health, governance standards, service delivery and economic performance.
Governance Awareness Remains a Challenge
The report also highlighted concerns about citizen engagement and awareness of government programmes at the grassroots level.
In Kogi State, 82 per cent of respondents said they were unaware of local government projects, while 83 per cent said they were unaware of socioeconomic programmes targeted at residents.
Similarly, in Kwara State, 84 per cent of respondents reported no awareness of local government projects, while 88 per cent said they were unaware of socioeconomic initiatives.
Phillips Consulting described the findings as evidence of weak grassroots participation and communication challenges in some states.
Kogi, Borno Rank Lowest
At the bottom of the 2025 State Performance Index, Kogi ranked 35th while Borno placed 36th.
The Federal Capital Territory was excluded from the assessment because its audited financial statement was unavailable, making a comprehensive evaluation of its fiscal performance impossible.
Phillips Consulting said the pSPI serves as a strategic tool for identifying performance gaps, promoting accountability and encouraging evidence-based policymaking among Nigeria’s subnational governments.
