ENUGU STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
Coal City State
Overall pSPI Rank:
20th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Very Good 3-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Hub of Tradition and Education
Enugu State, known as the “Coal City State,” spans 7,161 sq. km and has a population of about 5 million. Deeply rooted in Igbo traditions and community living, the state values family, respect for elders, and communal decision-making.
Its rich cultural heritage is reflected in festivals such as the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), Mmanwu Festival—celebrating ancestral spirits through masquerades—and the Ofala Festival, which honors Igbo kingship. The state is also home to the Nsukka School of Art, a renowned institution shaping African art and literature. Beyond culture, Enugu serves as an education hub, hosting the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), a key contributor to Nigeria’s intellectual landscape.
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Politics
PDP Stronghold in the South-East
Enugu is one of the last remaining PDP strongholds in the Southeast, having resisted APC’s national dominance and LP’s regional surge. Since 1999, PDP has governed the state, with governors like Chimaroke Nnamani, Sullivan Chime, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi ensuring party continuity.
The 2023 elections, however, tested PDP’s grip, as Labour Party (LP) surged in popularity across the region. Though PDP retained the governorship with Peter Mbah, LP’s strong performance in the presidential and legislative elections signaled a shift in voter sentiment.
For PDP to remain dominant, it must adapt to the new reality where younger voters demand fresh leadership. The next elections will reveal whether PDP can modernise or if LP or APC will complete its political takeover.
Once known for its coal reserves, Enugu has transformed into a hub for trade, agriculture, and manufacturing. The state’s economy is driven by agriculture, trade and real estate. A growing ecosystem of small and medium-sized businesses fuels trade and retail, while strong road networks, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt and Enugu-Onitsha expressways, enhance connectivity. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport also strengthens Enugu’s position in domestic and international markets, boosting trade and investment opportunities.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦6,686 |  11th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦5.24 million | 5th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 24% | 16th |
| IGR to FAAC | 45% | 14th |
| Capital Expenditure Per Capita | ₦73,888 | 3rd |
| Debt Per Capita | ₦35,020 | 24th |
| Ease of Doing Business | 4.93 | 36th |
What this means:
Enugu ranks high in capital expenditure per capita (3rd nationally), suggesting significant infrastructure investment. However, its ease of doing business is weak (36th), pointing to bureaucratic barriers and investment challenges.
Economy – Transitioning from Coal to Trade and Infrastructure
pSPI Performance - Strong Infrastructure Spending, but Economic Barriers Remain
Strengths
Strong Capital Expenditure Per Capita (3rd nationally): Indicating substantial public investment.
High IGR Per km² (5th nationally):A reflection of Enugu’s economic activity density.
Publicity of Government Policies (6th nationally): Showing efforts to communicate governance actions.
Weaknesses
Poor Ease of Doing Business (36th nationally): Complex regulations limit business growth.
Weak Revenue-to-Budget Performance (34th nationally): Signaling revenue shortfalls and underperformance.
Limited LGA Visibility: 85% of residents do not know about local government programmes.
Citizen Satisfaction - Public Opinion
What residents think about Key services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 13th | 42% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 24th | 32% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 27th | 21% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 12th | 47% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 11th | 53% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 28th | 26% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 32nd | 16% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 25th | 11% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 6th | 58% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 20th | 21% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 19th | 37% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 25th | 16% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 17th | 16% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 31st | 21% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 25th | 16% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 29th | 16% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
Lagos State
Economic hub, better job opportunities, and infrastructure
FCT Abuja
Stability, governance, and business environment
Ekiti State
Perceived as safer with a better quality of life
Bayelsa State
Emerging economic prospects
Abia State
Improved infrastructure and more social amenities
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Borno State
Security concerns
Zamfara State
Banditry and instability
Sokoto State
Economic and security concerns
Rivers State
Perceived crime levels
Benue State
Low development and cultural differences
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
At the local Government level, the number of citizens who are aware of government activities and governance in the state is extremely low. This indicates poor visibility of governance at the local government level.
do not know their LGA chairman
unaware of LGA projects
unaware of socioeconomic programmes.
These figures indicate one of the lowest levels of local government engagement among surveyed states.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Enugu East (14%), Enugu North (14%), Nsukka (14%), Udi (9%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
66 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands:
- Employment and Youth Empowerment: Residents strongly advocated for more employment opportunities and access to skill acquisition centres. Youth entrepreneurship funding and vocational training were frequently suggested.
- Health and Education System Improvement: Many citizens emphasised the need for affordable and accessible healthcare and education. Calls were made for more trained professionals, better equipment, and improved learning environments in public institutions.
- Infrastructure and Roads: Respondents expressed dissatisfaction with road conditions and called for road construction, especially in rural areas. Consistent maintenance and completion of ongoing projects were also highlighted.
- Inclusive Governance and Policy Awareness: Citizens noted a lack of information on government activities at both the state and local levels. They called for more transparency, timely updates, and opportunities to engage with public officials.
- Support for Local Businesses and Agriculture: Respondents encouraged the government to provide grants or soft loans to small businesses and farmers. Many recommended agricultural support as a way to reduce unemployment and ensure food security.
pSPI Recommendations - What Enugu Needs To Do
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Enugu urgently needs to:
- Strengthen Urban-Rural Development Balance: Enugu’s capital city continues to receive more infrastructure attention than rural areas. The state should prioritise equitable distribution of development projects, especially in basic healthcare, schools, and roads.
- Improve Economic Opportunities and Job Access: There is a need to create more sustainable jobs through support for small businesses, agro-processing industries, and youth-focused employment schemes. Streamlining business registration and reducing bureaucratic red tape will encourage private investment.
- Expand Health and Education Investments: Public health and education indicators suggest room for growth. Increased staffing of public schools and hospitals, along with better equipment and facilities, will strengthen service delivery outcomes.
- Enhance Transparency and Community Engagement: Many citizens reported limited awareness of government policies and programmes. The state should adopt more participatory governance approaches, including regular town hall meetings and improved access to public information.
- Bolster Infrastructure and Transport Networks: Key roads and public transport infrastructure across the state need upgrading. Prioritising feeder roads that link rural producers to markets can boost agriculture and commerce.
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Enugu State 2025
a promising economic hub struggling with governance gaps and public service deficiencies. Addressing these will be key to unlocking its full potential.