DELTA STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
The Big Heart
Overall pSPI Rank:
18th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Satisfactory 2-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Dynamic and Diverse State
Delta State, known as “The Big Heart”, is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ijaw, and Igbo. The people of Delta State are known for their vibrant traditions, hospitality, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The cultural strengths of the region include vibrant festivals such as the Ogwashi-Ukwu Masquerade Festival, Igue Festival, and Eyo Festival, which serve as major attractions. Music and dance play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage, keeping traditions alive through rhythmic expressions.
The region is also known for its famous cuisine, featuring delicacies like Banga Soup, Starch & Owo, Oghwo Evwri, and Ukodo (Yam Pepper Soup). The region has a population of about 7 million, covering a land area of 17,698 sq. km and comprising 25 Local Government Areas.
Politics
The Unbroken Stronghold
Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Delta State has remained under PDP’s control, making it one of the most enduring party strongholds in the country. Governors from James Ibori to Ifeanyi Okowa successfully transitioned power within PDP’s ranks, avoiding the kind of political disruptions seen in neighbouring states.
However, the 2023 elections came with a shock, as Sheriff Oborevwori faced a stiff challenge from APC’s Ovie Omo-Agege, a contest that exposed growing opposition influence. Though PDP retained power, the election showed Delta is not invincible to change, and future contests could be more competitive.
With its rich oil economy and influential political elite, Delta remains a powerful force in national politics, but whether PDP can maintain its dominance in the face of rising APC opposition remains to be seen.
Economy - Strong Oil and Agriculture Sectors, but Business Climate remains low
Delta State boasts one of Nigeria’s strongest economies, fuelled by its rich oil and gas reserves, a thriving agricultural sector, and a growing manufacturing industry. The state’s economic strength is anchored in crude oil production, which significantly contributes to government revenue and national exports.
Beyond oil, Delta has a solid agricultural base, producing crops like cassava, oil palm, and rubber, which support local industries and provide employment.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦12,018 |  4th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦4.9 million | 7th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 12% | 23rd |
| IGR to FAAC | 16% | 33rd |
| Capital Expenditure Per Capita | ₦55,819 | 8th |
| Debt Per Capita | ₦55,819 | 8th |
| Ease of Doing Business | 4.95 | 35th |
What this means:
Strong Oil And Agriculture Sectors, But Business Climate Remains Low The state excels in revenue generation (4th in IGR per capita) and resource utilisation (7th in IGR per mineral resources). However, heavy reliance on federal allocations (33rd in IGR to FAAC) and an unfavourable business environment (35th in ease of doing business) limit economic diversification and private sector growth.
pSPI Performance - A Top Earner but Struggling with Infrastructure
Strengths
4th in IGR Per Capita: Strong revenue base.
8th in Capital Expenditure Per Capita: Considerable infrastructure investment.
13th in Capital Expenditure Per Capita: Decent public spending.
Weaknesses
35th in Ease of Doing Business: Business
climate is weak.
33rd in IGR to FAAC: Over-dependence on federal allocations.
36th in Capital Expenditure to FAAC: Low capital investment relative to federal revenue.
Citizen Satisfaction - The Public Verdict
What residents think about Key services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 30th | 26% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 31st | 24% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 26th | 32% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 21st | 35% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 10th | 56% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 17th | 35% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 8th | 50% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 24th | 12% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programs | 22nd | 29% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 25th | 15% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 22nd | 32% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 22nd | 24% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 26th | 24% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 21st | 35% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 19th | 24% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 33rd | 12% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Better infrastructure &
economic opportunities
Delta State
Strong cultural ties and
economic activity
Akwa Ibom State
Similar culture, better
business prospects
Rivers State
Strong economy and
oil-related jobs
Lagos State
Better opportunities and
strong economy
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Borno State
Insecurity (Boko Haram
insurgency)
Zamfara State
Banditry and
economic instability
Anambra State
Crime and governance
concerns
Kogi State
Economic instability
and cultural differences
Adamawa State
Proximity and security
concerns
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
The government is partly invisible at the local government level
do not know their
LG chairman
unaware of local government projects
unaware of any socioeconomic programmes
Local governance engagement is weak, affecting policy implementation and service delivery.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Oshimili South (18%), Ughelli South (8%), Ika South (8%), Uvwie (8%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
114 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Job Creation and Youth Empowerment:
Citizens asked the state government to establish more job creation schemes, provide funding for SMEs, and empower young people with market-relevant skills to foster self-reliance.
- Education and Healthcare Accessibility:
Respondents called for improved teacher and health worker recruitment, affordable services, and investment in infrastructure, particularly in underserved riverine and rural areas.
- Infrastructure and Basic Services: There were consistent appeals for road rehabilitation, clean water access, improved electricity, and better waste management systems. Residents emphasised that poor roads and environmental degradation are
stalling development and affecting quality of life.
- Governance and Inclusion:
Several citizens stressed the importance of inclusive governance, urging an end to perceived marginalisation of certain ethnic groups and LGAs. Transparency in government projects, participatory budgeting, and fair resource allocation were frequently requested.
- Security and Environmental Protection: Communities affected by oil pollution, communal clashes, and insecurity asked for better policing, environmental remediation, and conflict resolution initiatives. Calls were made for stricter regulation of oil companies and protection of farmlands and water bodies.
pSPI Recommendations - Data-Driven Path Forward
 Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Delta urgently needs to:
- Diversify Revenue Streams and Strengthen IGR Mechanisms: Delta State ranks well in total revenue due to its oil wealth but underperforms in internally generated revenue relative to its economic potential. There is a need to diversify beyond oil by supporting agriculture, manufacturing, services, and real estate, while reforming tax collection systems for efficiency and equity.
- Improve Access to Healthcare and Educational Services: The state’s public health and education indicators show moderate performance, with notable gaps in rural access and staffing. The government should invest in more health workers, equip public schools, and prioritise universal access to quality basic education and healthcare, especially in riverine communities.
- Enhance Infrastructure and Environmental Resilience: Flooding, erosion, and inadequate road networks remain major concerns. Delta needs to prioritise sustainable infrastructure investment, drainage systems, coastal protection, and the maintenance of both urban and rural roads to ensure environmental resilience and economic activity.
- Deepen Local Government Engagement and Transparency: Low awareness of local projects and weak civic engagement at the LGA level highlight the need for better communication strategies. LGAs should regularly publish budgets, hold community consultations, and create feedback platforms to boost trust and accountability
- Promote Youth Empowerment and Skill Development: With a large youth population,
Delta must scale up skill acquisition programmes, vocational training centres, and youth-targeted entrepreneurship funding—especially in the creative, tech, and agribusiness sectors—to address unemployment and curb youth restiveness.
Delta State 2025
a wealthy state with economic strength but governance and infrastructure challenges.
Investment
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