Phillips Consulting has released its 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), ranking Nigeria’s 36 states on governance and development performance.

The report uses a balanced methodology: 70% based on objective metrics such as audited financial accounts, infrastructure delivery, fiscal sustainability, and service outcomes, and 30% from a nationwide citizen perception survey.

This year’s edition features a new five-star rating system. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was excluded from the ranking as it did not publish audited financial reports.

Top 10 States in the 2025 pSPI

1. Lagos State (5-star rating)
Lagos State placed first overall in the 2025 index.

2. Ogun State (4-star rating)
Ogun State secured the second position.

3. Kaduna State (4-star rating)
Kaduna State ranked third.

4. Adamawa State (4-star rating)
Adamawa State placed fourth.

5. Niger State

6. Nasarawa State

7. Gombe State

8. Jigawa State

9. Plateau State

10. Abia State

Source: X