FCT, pSPI REPORT 2025
Federal Capital Territory
Overall pSPI Rank:
Excluded due to unavailable Audited Financial Statement
pSPI Ranking:
(EXCLUDED)
People & Culture
Where Every Tribe Finds a Home
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), home to Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, has a landmass of 7,161 sq. km and a population of almost 8 million. As a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and economic classes, the FCT is a hub for political and economic activities, attracting residents from all over Nigeria.
The territory is made up of six area councils: Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. Its population includes civil servants, politicians, business owners, and professionals, making it Nigeria’s most cosmopolitan region.
Despite its modern infrastructure, the FCT is still home to indigenous groups, particularly the Gwari (Gbagyi), Koro, and other smaller ethnic communities, whose traditions, arts, and festivals remain vibrant despite urbanisation.
Politics
The Heart of Policy, Power and Progress
Abuja, Nigeria’s political and administrative capital, operates under a unique governance structure, with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministers appointed rather than elected. This has shaped its political landscape, making it less influenced by party competition and more by federal policies.
Unlike other Nigerian states, the FCT does not have a governor; instead, it is administered by a Minister appointed by the President. The current Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure both assumed office in 2023. However, residents have expressed dissatisfaction with governance at the local government level.
Economy - Strong Business Base but Weak Internal Revenue
FCT serves as Nigeria’s political and administrative capital, with an economy primarily driven by government services, real estate, and commerce. As the seat of the federal government, it attracts a steady flow of public sector activity, international organisations, and diplomatic missions, fueling demand for infrastructure, hospitality, and financial services. The FCT also benefits from a thriving construction and real estate sector, driven by rapid urbanisation and population growth. Its central location makes it a hub for conferences, trade, and logistics.Â
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦- |  37th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦- | 37th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦- | 37th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 0% | 37th |
| Ease of Doing Business | 5.09 | 30th |
| Internet Penetration Rate | 78% | 30th |
What this means:
Abuja ranks last across key metrics because its annual financial statement was unavailable, preventing a proper assessment like in other states. This absence of data significantly impacts its ranking.
However, the FCT maintains a strong internet penetration rate (9th nationally), which supports digital connectivity and business operations. Meanwhile, its ease of doing business score (30th) suggests challenges in regulatory efficiency and business-friendly policies, indicating room for improvement in fostering a more conducive business environment.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Strong Internet Access: Ranked 9th in
internet penetration.
Road Quality: Ranked 5th, indicating better infrastructure compared to other states.
Business Environment: High concentration of corporate activities and government institutions.
Weaknesses
Poor Revenue Performance: Ranked 37th in IGR per capita and IGR to total revenue.
Low Government Transparency: Ranked 36th in the publicity of government policies and programmes.
Poor Health Infrastructure: Ranked 37th in public health workers per population.
Citizen Satisfaction - Public Opinion on Services
What residents think about Key services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 5th | 14% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 23rd | 44% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 19th | 39% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 22nd | 28% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 34th | 24% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 24th | 37% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 29th | 37% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 29th | 69% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 36th | 51% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 34th | 60% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 32nd | 57% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 10th | 37% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 13th | 24% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 33rd | 48% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 29th | 49% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 26th | 52% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
Lagos State
Business opportunities
FCT Abuja (Itself)
Familiarity and employment, and better opportunities
Kaduna State
Lower cost of living and proximity.Â
Plateau State
Favorable climate and real estate potential
Non Of The State
Citizens remain neutral
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Borno State
Security issues
Zamfara State
High insecurity and lack of development
Lagos State
Overcrowding and high cost of living
Kogi State
Economic stagnation
Non Of The State
None of the respondents chose any of the states in Nigeria
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Survey findings show:
do not know their local government chairman.
unaware of ongoing projects at the area council level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes implemented by the area councils
This lack of grassroots governance participation is a major challenge for the FCT.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Abuja Area Council (72%), Bwari (20%), Gwagwalada (4%), Kuje (2%), Kwali (2%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
498 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: Citizens emphasised the urgent need for employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, vocational training, and merit-based recruitment.Â
- Affordable Housing and Cost of Living: Respondents called for policies to regulate rent, provide affordable housing, and ease the general cost of living, especially for low-income earners.Â
- Improve Infrastructure in Satellite Towns: Poor road conditions, lack of public transportation, and inadequate street lighting in outlying areas were frequently mentioned as pressing issues.Â
- Strengthen Security and Basic Services: Many urged better security, particularly in suburban areas, alongside improvements in healthcare, education, electricity, and clean water supply.Â
- Enhance Government Transparency and Engagement: Citizens requested better communication on policies, inclusive governance, and more visible development efforts across all Area Councils.Â
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for FCT
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, FCT urgently needs to:
- Strengthen Local Government Participation: With only 32% of residents knowing their LGA chairman and just 21% aware of local projects, there’s a need to empower the six Area Councils and improve their visibility through community engagement, inclusive governance, and transparency.Â
- Improve Infrastructure Beyond the City Centre: While inner-city infrastructure appears to be improving, respondents in satellite towns and outlying districts raised concerns about poor road conditions, lack of clean water, housing issues, and weak public transport systems. A decentralised approach to urban planning is needed.Â
- Expand Job Creation and Economic Empowerment: The unemployment rate is high despite the presence of economic activity. Focused support for MSMEs, grants for entrepreneurs, vocational training and job-matching platforms could close this gap.Â
- Enhance Social Services Delivery: Public health and education systems received low satisfaction ratings. Investments in public healthcare facilities, teachers’ welfare, and equitable education access, especially in Area Councils, should be prioritised.Â
- Boost Public Communication and Policy Awareness: Only 9% of respondents are aware of any economic programmes by their LGA. The FCT Administration must communicate more proactively through town halls, community radio, social media, and partnerships with civil society.Â
FCT 2025
is at a critical juncture. To thrive, the capital must move beyond political administration to economic self-sufficiency and infrastructural expansion. With strategic investment and improved governance, the FCT can regain its status as a world-class city.