IMO STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
The Eastern Heartland
Overall pSPI Rank:
31st out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Satisfactory 2-Star Performer)
People & Culture
Cultural Pride in a Challenged Environment
Imo State, known as the “Eastern Heartland,” spans 5,530 sq. km and is home to over 6 million people, predominantly of Igbo heritage, with cultural influences from the Ikwerre and Owerri communities.
The state’s rich cultural identity is celebrated through festivals such as the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji)—a thanksgiving for harvest, the Igwu Eke Festival—honoring local folklore and spirituality, and the Ahiajoku Festival—an intellectual and cultural event preserving Igbo heritage. Imo is also known for its vibrant music, dance, and arts, featuring Igbo instruments (Ekwe, Oja, Ogene) and Mmanwu (masquerade) performances. Despite its deep cultural pride, residents express dissatisfaction with governance, citing poor infrastructure, lack of security, and weak public service delivery as major concerns.
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Politics
The Land of Contested Mandates
Imo State’s political history is riddled with courtroom battles, disputed elections, and unexpected leadership changes. Unlike most states where votes determine leaders, Imo’s recent political transitions have largely been decided in courtrooms rather than at the ballot box.
The 2019 gubernatorial election saw Emeka Ihedioha of PDP declared winner, only for the Supreme Court to remove him months later and install APC’s Hope Uzodinma. This ruling sparked controversy and fueled tensions between PDP, APC, and emerging third forces like Labour Party (LP).
Despite Uzodinma’s re-election in 2023, Imo remains politically volatile, with a growing resistance to APC’s control. The state’s history suggests that political power in Imo is never truly settled, making every election cycle a high-stakes battle for dominance.
Imo State’s economy is driven by a combination of oil and gas, agriculture, and trade, with growing interest in light manufacturing and services. Owerri, the state capital, serves as a regional commercial hub, with a vibrant hospitality and retail sector that contributes to job creation and economic activity.
With ongoing investments in infrastructure, SME support, and industrial parks, Imo State is working to diversify its economy beyond oil and strengthen its role as a centre for trade, agribusiness, and regional commerce.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦2,609 |  31st |
| IGR Per km² | ₦3.3 million | 10th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 12% | 24th |
| IGR to FAAC | 29% | 26th |
| Capital Expenditure Per Capita | ₦67,923 | 5th |
| Debt Per Capita | ₦40,787 | 29th |
| Ease of Doing Business | 5.81 | 13th |
What this means:
Despite ranking high in capital expenditure per capita (5th), most residents do not feel the impact. This suggests either inefficiency in spending or misaligned priorities. Revenue generation (31st in IGR per capita) is particularly weak, highlighting over-reliance on federal allocation.
Economy – Commercial Potential Weakened by Poor Infrastructure
pSPI Performance - Weak Showing with Serious Structural Gaps
Strengths
Capital Expenditure Per Capita: 5th nationally, shows Imo is spending on infrastructure.
Ease of Doing Business: 13th nationally, reflects moderate commercial friendliness.
Weaknesses
Low Revenue Performance: (31st in IGR per capita) exposes fragile fiscal strength.
Worst Governance Visibility: 96% of residents unaware of LGA projects/programmes.
Security Crisis: 74% express dissatisfaction with safety.
Public Service Collapse:: Bottom-ranked in healthcare, education, and public transportation.
Citizen Satisfaction - Public Opinion
What residents think about Key services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 35th | 7% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 30th | 15% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 37th | 0% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 37th | 7% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 37th | 15% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 36th | 11% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 37th | 11% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 37th | 0% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 37th | 0% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 37th | 7% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 37th | 7% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 27th | 22% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 33rd | 15% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 35th | 15% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 36th | 7% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 36th | 4% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Perceived governance stability and better opportunities
Lagos State
Economic hub, better infrastructure, more jobs
Enugu State
Cultural similarity and perception of better living conditions
Akwa Ibom State
Perceived improvements in governance and economy
Imo State (staying put)
Home attachment despite frustrations
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Borno State
Insecurity and terrorism
Imo State
Deep dissatisfaction with current governance
Anambra State
Concerns over security and cost of living
Zamfara State
Banditry and low development
Kogi State
 Low development, cultural and religious differences
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
There is a major gap and disconnect in the citizen’s awareness of the 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 makes Imo one of the worst-performing states for grassroots governance and visibility.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Mbaitoli (17%), Ahiazu Mbaise (14%), Isiala Mbano (10%), Ezinhitte (10%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
87 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Jobs and Youth Empowerment: Residents repeatedly emphasised the need for job creation and youth-targeted programmes. Suggestions included entrepreneurship grants, tech skill training, and support for vocational centres.
- Better Roads and Urban Infrastructure: Many respondents called for improved road networks, especially in rural areas. Drainage systems, clean public spaces, and transport infrastructure were also highlighted as priorities.
- Education and Health Reforms: Citizens requested better funding for public schools and hospitals, noting the need for well-equipped facilities and improved staff welfare to ensure service quality.
- Governance and Leadership Accountability: Residents called for more honest leadership, efficient service delivery, and an end to political favouritism. They want leaders who fulfill campaign promises and engage communities directly.
- Security and Social Stability: Respondents noted rising concerns around insecurity. They urged the government to strengthen neighbourhood policing and invest in community peace-building programmes to address tensions.
pSPI Recommendations - What Imo Needs To Do
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Imo urgently needs to:
- Improve Public Infrastructure and Maintenance Culture: Imo State should invest in the rehabilitation and regular maintenance of roads, especially those connecting rural communities. This will boost local commerce and ease of movement for residents.
- Promote Transparency and Government Communication: Limited awareness of government programmes and projects highlights the need for stronger public communication strategies. A more transparent and inclusive approach will enhance citizen trust and engagement.
- Strengthen Health and Education Systems: There is a need to address gaps in public service delivery, especially in the health and education sectors. Recruitment of qualified personnel, infrastructure upgrades, and access to affordable services should be prioritised.
- Boost Employment and Economic Opportunities: The state should scale up efforts to create jobs through skills development programmes, MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) support, and investments in technology and agribusiness.
- Expand Local Government Impact: Many citizens feel disconnected from their local government authorities. Imo State should improve the responsiveness and accountability of LGAs through community development plans and citizen inclusion in project planning.
Imo State 2025
a resourceful State trapped in a governance, infrastructure & security crisis. Immediate and radical reforms are non-negotiable.