EBONYI STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
The Salt of the Nation
Overall pSPI Rank:
14th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Very Good 3-Star Performer)
People & Culture
Rooted in Tradition and Agriculture
Ebonyi State, created in 1996, is one of Nigeria’s youngest states, covering 5,533 sq. km with a population of over 3 million. Predominantly Igbo, the state is also home to groups like the Ezza, Izzi, and Ikwo. Known as the “Salt of the Nation, with a major salt lake in Okposi,” Ebonyi thrives on agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade, with Abakaliki Main Market serving as a major commercial hub.
Its rich cultural identity is reflected in the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), vibrant traditional dances and crafts, and Indigenous musical instruments like the ekwe and ogene. A blend of Christianity, traditional beliefs, and cultural festivals further shapes the state’s unique heritage.
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Politics
The State of Defections
Ebonyi has one of the most unpredictable political trajectories, characterised by party switching at the highest levels. Historically a PDP-controlled state, its political landscape changed dramatically in 2020 when Engr. David Umahi defected to APC, setting the stage for a major realignment.
Umahi’s defection triggered a reshuffling of political loyalties, and by 2023, APC firmly took control, with Francis Nwifuru winning the governorship. This shift positioned Ebonyi as a potential APC stronghold, but PDP remains a formidable force, eager to reclaim lost ground.
Despite being a smaller state, Ebonyi’s ability to shift power through defections makes it one of Nigeria’s most politically dynamic regions. Future elections will test whether APC can cement its new dominance or if PDP will pull off a dramatic comeback.
Ebonyi’s economy is driven by agriculture, mining, and trade, with rice, yam, cassava, and maize production sustaining rural communities. Despite its rich deposits of lead, limestone, and salt, mining remains largely underdeveloped. Abakaliki’s markets serve as vital hubs for commerce, supporting the state’s economic activities.
With its focus on maximising natural resource potential and improving agricultural productivity, Ebonyi is steadily positioning itself as a growing player in Nigeria’s resource-based and rural-driven economy.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦4,250 |  19th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦2.77 million | 14th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 11% | 26th |
| IGR to FAAC | 35% | 16th |
| Capital Expenditure Per Capita | ₦36,854 | 16th |
| Debt Per Capita | ₦39,528 | 28th |
| Ease of Doing Business | 5.00 | 32nd |
What this means:
Ebonyi’s strong agricultural base supports economic stability, but internally generated revenue (IGR) is weak (26th in IGR to total revenue), reflecting over-reliance on FAAC allocations. The state’s low ease of doing business score (32nd) also signals barriers to investment and private sector growth.
Economy – An Agricultural Powerhouse with Untapped Mineral Potential
pSPI Performance - Agricultural Strength Tempered by Governance Gaps
Strengths
Strong Capital Expenditure Per Capita: 16th nationally, showing commitment to infrastructure.
Functional Basic Education Facilities: Ranked 10th, reflecting decent investments in educational facilities.
Public Hospitals Per Population: 10th nationally, indicating reasonable healthcare access.
Weaknesses
Low Ease of Doing Business: 32nd, deterring private sector expansion.
Weak IGR Performance: 26th in IGR to total revenue ratio, highlighting revenue mobilisation challenges.
Public Sector Integrity Concerns: High dissatisfaction with public servants’ honesty and transparency (27% dissatisfied).
Citizen Satisfaction - Public Opinion
What residents think about Key services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 6th | 73% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 14th | 36% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 18th | 36% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 25th | 27% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 21st | 55% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 22nd | 45% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 20th | 55% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 31th | 9% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 26th | 36% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 22nd | 18% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 29th | 36% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 15th | 36% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 9th | 55% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 2nd | 82% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 24th | 18% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 19th | 27% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Better governance, security, infrastructure, and opportunities
Lagos State
Economic hub, wider business opportunities, and better amenities
Delta State
Economic vibrancy, better infrastructure, and proximity to home
Enugu State
Proximity and cultural similarity
Ebonyi State (staying put)
Cultural attachment and family ties
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Borno State
Severe insecurity and insurgency
Zamfara State
Banditry and insecurity
Gombe State
Perceived remoteness and low development
Kebbi State
Cultural disconnect and perceived low development
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Unlike other states, the citizens of Ebonyi state has a fair knowledge of governance in the state.
do not know their LGA chairman (better than many states)
unaware of ongoing projects.
are unaware of local socioeconomic programmes
This indicates modest LGA visibility but room for much stronger community engagement and programme awareness.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Ohaozara (77%), Abakaliki (15%), Ebonyi (8%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
39 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: Many residents, especially the youth, called for job opportunities and access to skill acquisition programmes. Vocational training, MSME support, and employment schemes were key suggestions.
- Health and Education Services: Citizens expressed a strong need for improved public hospitals, availability of medical staff and equipment, and better access to quality public education—especially in rural communities.
- Roads and Infrastructure Development: There were frequent complaints about poor road conditions and inadequate transport systems. Residents called for both road construction and maintenance across LGAs.
- Improved Governance and Inclusion: Feedback emphasised the need for inclusive governance and more transparent leadership. Respondents want equitable development and accountability at both state and local levels.
- Security and Law Enforcement Conduct: Concerns were raised about rising insecurity and inadequate law enforcement responses. Citizens recommended better training, equipment, and community involvement in local policing efforts.
pSPI Recommendations - What Ebonyi Needs To Do
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Ebonyi urgently needs to:
- Strengthen Basic Services Delivery: Ebonyi should focus on enhancing access to clean water, functional healthcare, and public education—especially in rural areas. Public infrastructure and essential services still lag behind national benchmarks in several LGAs.
- Improve Economic Opportunities and Job Access: The state should invest in targeted employment generation, focusing on agriculture value chains, light manufacturing, and youth entrepreneurship. Increasing ease of doing business will attract private sector investment.
- Expand Infrastructure Development and Maintenance: Roads, urban planning, and public utilities require sustained attention. A clear prioritisation of key infrastructure corridors (both urban and rural) can boost mobility and economic activity across the state.
- Enhance Transparency and Local Governance Impact: Feedback suggests low visibility of local government activities. Strengthening the capacity and responsiveness of LGAs will improve trust in government and ensure service delivery is better aligned to local needs.
- Boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Responsibly: While growing IGR is important, Ebonyi must ensure that tax systems are fair and that citizens perceive value for taxes paid. Public communication and budget transparency can support this balance.
Ebonyi State 2025
solid agricultural backbone, but human capital and Infrastructure gaps must be closed for sustainable development.
Investment
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