NASARAWA STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
Home of Solid Minerals
Overall pSPI Rank:
6th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Excellent 4-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Land of Unity And Resilience
Nasarawa State, located in North Central Nigeria, is home to a rich blend of ethnic groups, cultures, and traditions. With only 13 LGAs, the state has a landmass of 27,117 sq. km and a population of over 3 million people. It is often referred to as the Home of Solid Minerals due to its vast deposits of natural resources. The people of Nasarawa State are known for their inclusivity and strong sense of community, making it a meeting point for various ethnic groups who coexist peacefully.
The major ethnic groups in Nasarawa State include the Hausa, Fulani, Tiv, Alago, Eggon, Mada, and Gwandara people. Each of these groups has distinct customs and traditions, yet they share a common sense of unity and cultural harmony. Festivals such as the Yam Festival (Ukpani) and traditional wrestling competitions highlight the state’s rich heritage.Â
Politics
Evolving Leadership and Transitions
Nasarawa is a political melting pot, mirroring Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and political landscape. The state, located at the intersection of the North and Middle Belt, has a history of swinging between political parties, making it one of the country’s most unpredictable electoral battlegrounds.
Since 1999, Nasarawa has seen power alternate between PDP and APC, with each administration struggling to maintain lasting dominance. The 2023 elections saw Abdullahi Sule of APC retain his seat, but not without a fierce challenge from the opposition.
With its proximity to Abuja and a growing youthful electorate, Nasarawa remains a state to watch. Any shifts in political alignment here often signal larger trends at the national level.
Economy – Mineral Wealth with Room for Diversion
The economy of Nasarawa State is driven by agriculture, solid minerals, and commerce. Agriculture remains the primary occupation, with crops such as yams, maize, rice, cassava, and vegetables being widely cultivated. Livestock production is also prominent.
Nasarawa is endowed with mineral resources, including limestone, gypsum, granite, and marble. However, mining activities require further investment to maximise their potential and increase state revenue. Commerce thrives in Nasarawa, particularly in Lafia, the state capital, which serves as a major trading hub attracting businesses from within and beyond the state.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦8,748 |  8th |
| IGR Per Km² | ₦1,034,916 | 21st |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦1.4 billion | 35th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦4.6 billion | 22nd |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 18% | 13th |
What this means:
The state performs well in IGR per capita (8th), indicating strong revenue generation relative to its population. However, its IGR per mineral resources (35th) suggests that its natural resources remain underutilised as a revenue source. With IGR contributing 18% to total revenue (13th), the state shows moderate financial independence but still relies heavily on federal allocations. Despite a decent trade route revenue ranking (22nd), its Ease of Doing Business score (26th) highlights challenges in attracting investments and fostering a business-friendly environment.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Top in Healthcare Access: Ranked 1st in Public Hospitals to Population Ratio.
High Internet Penetration: Ranked 3rd nationwide at 109%.
Strong Basic Education System: Ranked 2nd in functional basic education facilities per population.
Weaknesses
Road Infrastructure Needs Attention: Ranked 22nd in road quality.
Low Capital Expenditure: Ranked 26th, indicating low spending on developmental projects.
Ease of Doing Business Needs Improvement: Ranked 26th, highlighting bureaucratic challenges for investors.
Citizen Satisfaction - Public Opinion
Nasarawa residents provided mixed feedback on public services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 22nd | 33% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 22nd | 27% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 14th | 33% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 28th | 18% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 16th | 48% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 14th | 30% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 13th | 35% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 18th | 14% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 29th | 18% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 24th | 15% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 17th | 24% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 21st | 23% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 32nd | 23% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 11th | 36% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 11th | 27% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 13th | 24% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Proximity, better infrastructure
Plateau State
Favorable climate and development
Kaduna State
Economic opportunities
Lagos State
Business and trade
Gombe State
Peace and political stability
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Zamfara State
Security concerns
Borno State
Insurgency-related issues
Benue State
Economic struggles
Lagos State
Overcrowding, high cost of living
Plateau State
Ethnic tension and religious conflict
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Survey findings show:
do not know their local government chairman.
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
While there is relative awareness, there remains a need for improved government transparency and citizen engagement in governance
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Karu (22%), Lafia (22%), Akwanga (11%), Keffi (11%), Doma (8%), Nassarawa (6%).
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
216 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Improve Roads and Infrastructure: Road conditions remain poor in many areas. Residents consistently call for rehabilitation and better maintenance of road networks.
- Enhance Government Transparency: Trust in public servants is low. Citizens want to see more integrity, accountability, and open governance practices at all levels.
- Make Healthcare More Accessible & Reliable: While healthcare affordability is relatively better, concerns about service quality and facility standards are high. A dual focus on affordability and quality is recommended.
- Expand Economic Opportunities: Many residents believe the state lacks sufficient economic pathways, especially for the youth. More inclusive programmes in entrepreneurship and agriculture can help.
- Improve Public Safety & Law Enforcement Conduct: While security ranks better than other sectors, there are concerns about law enforcement behavior. Reforms and training for state-controlled agents can strengthen trust.
Â
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Nasarawa
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Nasarawa urgently needs to:
- Prioritise Road Infrastructure Maintenance and Expansion: The public satisfaction with road conditions and maintenance is low. Nasarawa State should prioritise rehabilitating existing roads and expanding connectivity, especially in rural areas. Strategic investments in infrastructure will ease mobility, reduce logistics costs, and stimulate local economies.
- Rebuild Trust in Public Institutions: Low ratings in public servant integrity highlight a need for transparency and accountability. The state should invest in ethics training, open government initiatives, and feedback mechanisms to improve citizen trust and public service delivery.
- Improve Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Concerns over water availability suggest an urgent need for investments in water infrastructure. Nasarawa must expand access to clean water sources, rehabilitate damaged systems, and strengthen maintenance and community ownership models.
- Upgrade Public Education Standards: With poor ratings in education quality and affordability, the state should commit to revamping school infrastructure, improving teacher training, and subsidising learning materials for low-income families. Programmes focused on girl-child education and digital literacy will also close inclusion gaps.
- Revamp Healthcare Service Delivery: The perception of inadequate health services requires a dual focus on infrastructure and human capital. Nasarawa should invest in equipping rural health centres, hiring and retaining skilled medical staff, and launching mobile health programmes to reach remote areas.
Â
Nasarawa State 2025
is on the right path, ranking among the top states in healthcare access and economic stability. By improving infrastructure, business climate, and governance, it has the potential to become a leading economic powerhouse in Nigeria.