BENUE STATE pSPI REPORT 2025
Food Basket of the Nation
Overall pSPI Rank:
23rd out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Very Good 3-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Land of Rich Culture and Unity
Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” spans 34,059 sq. km and has a population of 7.3 million. With 23 LGAs, the state is home to diverse ethnic groups, with the Tiv forming the largest population, followed by the Idoma and Igede. Smaller groups such as the Etulo, Jukun, and Hausa-Fulani also contribute to the state’s cultural diversity.
The people of Benue are primarily farmers, cultivating staple crops like yams, maize, millet, and cassava, while fishing thrives in riverine communities. Traditional values, communal living, and social gatherings play a vital role in strengthening family bonds and fostering unity.
Benue’s rich cultural heritage is showcased in vibrant festivals such as the Igede Agba Festival and Tiv Kwagh Hir Theatre, which celebrate history, music, dance, and rituals. Traditional marriage ceremonies are elaborate, involving bride price payments and extensive family celebrations. The state’s customs and practices are influenced by both Christianity and African traditional religions, shaping its unique identity.
Politics
Power Swing Between APC and PDP
Benue is a political see-saw, where power oscillates between PDP and APC depending on national trends and local sentiments. The state is deeply affected by security crises, particularly the farmer-herder conflicts, which have shaped its political narratives.
In 2015, Samuel Ortom defected from PDP to APC and won the governorship, only to return to PDP in 2019 and secure re-election. However, his successor in 2023, Hyacinth Alia, reclaimed the state for APC, proving that Benue’s electorate is highly reactive to governance performance.
While the PDP and APC remain the dominant parties, elections in Benue are becoming increasingly issue-based. It is now a state where leaders must demonstrate tangible results to earn a mandate in the next tenure.
Economy - Strong Industrial Base but Fiscal Fragility Persists
Benue State’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with the state producing large quantities of yam, rice, maize, soybeans, cassava and millet. The state’s fertile lands along the Benue River make it a major contributor to Nigeria’s food supply. Livestock farming, particularly cattle ranching, also plays a significant role.
Despite these advantages, Benue faces challenges such as infrastructure, limited financial access for farmers, and recurring farmer-herder conflicts, which disrupt agricultural activities.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦2,630 |  30th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦563,696 | 27th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦1.9 billion | 32nd |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 14% | 19th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦3.2 billion | 29th |
What this means:
The state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) remains relatively weak, ranking 30th per capita and 27th per square kilometre. Despite having some mineral resources, their contribution to IGR is low (32nd nationally). With IGR making up only 14% of total revenue (19th place), the state remains largely dependent on federal allocations.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Agricultural Hub: Benue is a top agricultural producer in Nigeria.
Strong Local Markets: Major trading centres drive commerce.
Education Affordability: Ranked 2nd in affordable public education.
Weaknesses
Poor Infrastructure: Ranked 19th in road conditions and 15th in water access.
Debt Management: Ranked 18th in debt per capita.
Limited Capital Expenditure: Ranked 35th, indicating low government spending on development projects.
Citizen Satisfaction - The Public Verdict
Benue residents expressed mixed views on public services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Dissatisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 18th | 28% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 3rd | 30% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 21st | 20% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 1st | 23% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 2nd | 35% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 7th | 20% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 2nd | 28% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 3rd | 18% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 3rd | 28% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 5th | 23% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 1st | 38% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 14th | 18% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 4th | 28% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 1st | 35% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 1st | 28% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 2nd | 18% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
Federal Capital Territory (Abuja)
Better governance and infrastructure
Lagos State
.
Better business climate and vast opportunities
Kaduna State
.
Economic growth and industrialisation
Plateau State
.
Favourable climate and development
Benue State
(Itself)
Cultural attachment and family ties
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Zamfara State
Security concerns
Borno State
Insurgency-related issues
Kebbi State
Limited development
Lagos State
Overcrowding and high cost of living
Adamawa State
Low economic activities and limited jobs
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Survey findings show gaps and disconnects in the citizens’ awareness of governance at the local level.
do not know their local government chairman.
are unaware of any ongoing LG projects
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
While the majority know their leadership, the majority are not aware of projects and programmes, which makes Benue one of the less-performing states for grassroots governance and visibility.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Age Distribution
Top LGAs Represented
Ogbadigbo (21%), Oju (9%), Okpokwu (9%), Gboko (6%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
99 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Security and Farmer-Herder Clashes: A major concern for residents is persistent violence in rural areas. Citizens called for swift resolution of conflicts, stronger protection for farming communities, and peacebuilding initiatives that involve local leaders and youth.
- Support for Farmers and Agribusiness: Respondents advocated for access to low-interest loans, farm equipment, and cooperative farming models. Many believe agriculture can drive job creation and inclusive growth if properly supported.
- Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: There were widespread calls for youth-focused initiatives, including vocational training, startup funding, ICT skill development, and internships. Many youths feel left behind by the current economic structure.
- Better Roads and Public Utilities: Citizens highlighted the need for road rehabilitation, rural electrification, and a clean water supply.
- Improved Transparency and Political Will: Residents called for consistent town hall meetings, open disclosure of state finances, and leaders who fulfill their campaign commitments.
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Benue
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Benue urgently needs to:
Revitalise Agricultural Productivity and Value Chains: As the “Food Basket of the Nation,” Benue State should prioritise mechanised farming, irrigation systems, and post-harvest storage solutions. Enhanced support for farmers through inputs, extension services, and access to markets will boost food security and state revenue.
Upgrade Rural and Urban Infrastructure: Many communities face poor road conditions and underdeveloped transport links. Investment in feeder roads, urban renewal, and water supply infrastructure will improve connectivity and residents’ quality of life.
Strengthen Education and Healthcare Systems: Public schools and hospitals require urgent intervention. Benue should prioritise recruitment of qualified personnel, facility upgrades, and equitable access to basic services across both urban and rural LGAs.
Tackle Insecurity and Support Displaced Persons: Ongoing conflicts have displaced thousands. The state should collaborate with security agencies and humanitarian partners to restore peace, support resettlement, and provide psychosocial and economic support for affected communities.
Enhance Local Government Responsiveness: There’s a perceived disconnection between citizens and their LGAs. Strengthening community engagement platforms, feedback channels, and local budgeting transparency will make governance more inclusive and accountable.
Benue State 2025
is at a crossroads. With the right investments in infrastructure, security, and economic diversification, Benue can fully realise its potential as a major agricultural and economic hub in Nigeria.