Lagos emerges top in 2025 State performance ranking, Ogun, Kaduna follow

Lagos, Ogun and Kaduna states have emerged as Nigeria’s top three subnational performers in the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), a nationwide governance assessment released by Phillips Consulting (pcl.) that evaluates fiscal strength, service delivery, governance efficiency and citizen perception.

The report ranked Lagos State first nationally, followed by Ogun State in second place and Kaduna State in third, out of the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to Phillips Consulting, the ranking was based on a blended methodology comprising 70% objective performance indicators and 30% citizen perception data.

Objective metrics were drawn from audited state financial statements, official government databases and independent research, while the perception component was collected through a nationwide survey involving 9,498 respondents across digital platforms, SMS, email and in-person engagements.

Lagos State retained the top position largely due to its strong fiscal independence and economic output. The report ranked it first in internally generated revenue (IGR) per capita, IGR per square kilometre and trade-route revenue generation.

Approximately 69% of Lagos’ revenue comes from internal sources, the highest in the country compared to the national average of 18%, underscoring its status as Nigeria’s economic hub. It also ranked second in internet penetration.

However, the report flagged weaknesses in social infrastructure and public service delivery. Lagos ranked 36th in debt per capita, indicating high debt exposure, while also placing 32nd in public hospital availability and 36th in basic education infrastructure per population.

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Ease of doing business was ranked 29th, with citizen perception scores reflecting dissatisfaction in roads, healthcare, education, water supply and environmental management.

Ogun State ranked second overall and was described as an “exceptional performer” driven by strong industrial activity and revenue autonomy.

The state placed second nationally in IGR per capita and IGR-to-total-revenue ratio, with over half of its revenue generated internally. It also ranked first in internet penetration and seventh in capital expenditure per capita.

Analysts attribute Ogun’s performance to its expanding industrial base, strategic transport corridors and growing investment inflows.

However, concerns remain around fiscal sustainability and service delivery. Ogun ranked 32nd in debt per capita and 34th in liabilities per capita, while also scoring poorly in ease of doing business (31st) and citizen satisfaction on infrastructure, healthcare and environmental quality.

Kaduna State placed third overall and was rated an “excellent performer,” supported by strong financial and economic indicators.

The state ranked first nationally in assets per capita and 10th in IGR-to-total-revenue ratio, reflecting improved fiscal balance and diversified economic activity across agriculture, manufacturing and services.

Despite these strengths, Kaduna faces significant structural challenges. It ranked 32nd in ease of employment and recorded low citizen satisfaction in healthcare, education and security services.

Security concerns, particularly in rural areas, were identified as a major constraint to investment and inclusive development.

The report highlights notable shifts in Nigeria’s governance landscape, with several previously low-ranked states recording major improvements.

Adamawa State moved from 26th to 4th position, Niger State rose from 29th to 5th, while Abia State jumped from 36th to 10th, driven by reforms in fiscal management and service delivery improvements.

Regionally, the South-West emerged as the strongest performing zone, supported by Lagos and Ogun’s top rankings and solid contributions from Oyo State. The North-West also performed strongly, buoyed by Kaduna’s third-place finish, while the South-East recorded gains largely due to Abia’s sharp rise.