JIGAWA STATE pSPI REPORT 2025
A New World
Overall pSPI Rank
8th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Excellent 4-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Land of Agriculture
Jigawa State, also known as “The New World,” is located in Northwestern Nigeria. It has a landmass of 23,154 sq. km, with 27 LGAs and a population of approximately 7 million people. The state is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa-Fulani ethnic group, alongside the Kanuri and other smaller groups. The Hausa language is widely spoken and serves as the lingua franca.
Agriculture is the backbone of the state’s economy, with most residents engaged in farming, livestock rearing, and fishing. Islam plays a significant role in shaping the customs, laws, and educational system of Jigawa. The state’s cultural vibrancy is displayed through celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, as well as the Durbar festival, which showcases the Emirate system’s rich heritage through colourful horse-riding displays and traditional music.
Politics
The Silent Political Giant
Jigawa State is one of Nigeria’s most politically stable states, where power shifts are methodical rather than dramatic. Unlike other states where elections are marked by fierce rivalries and party defections, Jigawa has maintained a smooth transition of leadership.
Since 1999, political power has alternated between PDP and APC, but without major disruptions. The current governor, Umar Namadi of APC, follows in the footsteps of his predecessor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, ensuring continuity in governance.
While Jigawa is not a state of political upheavals, its electorate remains engaged, making it a quiet but powerful player in national politics. The real test will be whether PDP can mount a comeback or if APC’s reign becomes permanent.
Â
Â
Economy – Agriculture and Economic Diversification
Jigawa State’s economy is predominantly agriculture, with fertile lands supporting the cultivation of staple crops such as millet, rice, maize, and wheat. The Hadejia Irrigation Scheme plays a key role in boosting agricultural output by providing irrigation for farming.
Recent efforts to diversify the economy have seen investments in commerce, infrastructure, and industry. The state’s strategic location near major trade routes, including Maigatari, strengthens its position as a significant economic hub. However, internally generated revenue (IGR) remains low, signaling the need for improved revenue collection and business-friendly policies.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦1,589 |  36th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦504,420 | 30th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦11.7 billion | 6th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦2.9 billion | 33rd |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 6% | 36th |
What this means:
Low IGR per capita (36th) and heavy reliance on federal allocations (IGR to total revenue at 6%, ranking 36th) highlight weak financial independence. Despite moderate revenue density (30th in IGR per km²), trade-related earnings remain low (33rd in IGR per trade route), indicating limited commercial activity.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Honesty and integrity: Ranked 1st in honesty and integrity of public servants.
Strong financial prudence: Ranking 1st in debt per capita and debt to revenue ratio.
Education and healthcare: Ranked 1st in affordability of education and healthcare services.
Weaknesses
Lowest IGR per capita ranking: Ranked 36th in IGR per capita.
Poor internet penetration: Ranks 37th in internet penetration rate nationally:
Low capital expenditure per capita: Ranked 27th in capital expenditure per capita.
Citizen Satisfaction – The Public Verdict
Despite notable achievements, residents still face several challenges:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 3rd | 62% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 1st | 70% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 1st | 85% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 6th | 32% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 1st | 58% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 2nd | 47% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 1st | 57% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 1st | 22% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 8th | 38% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 3rd | 32% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 4th | 52% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 1st | 57% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 5th | 48% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 3rd | 53% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 2nd | 43% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 1st | 50% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
Kano State
Economic opportunities
 and trade
Jigawa State
Familiarity and cultural affinity
Kaduna State
Business-friendly environment
FCT Abuja
Improved governance and job opportunities
Gombe State
Proximity and culture similarity
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Jigawa State
Economic stagnation and lack of job opportunities
Zamfara State
Security concerns.
Kano State
Overcrowding and Political Instability
Bauchi State
Infrastructure challenges
Borno State
High insecurity
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Jigawa shows strong local awareness, though many citizens still lack programmatic information:
do not know their LGA chairman
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
Enhanced access to information on government projects and citizen feedback mechanisms could foster greater accountability.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Dutse (19%), Birnin-kudu(13%), Hadejia (11%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
189 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Publicise Government Initiatives Better: Many residents were unaware of state programmes. The government should improve communication through religious centres, media, and local gatherings.
- Demand for Quality Education & Jobs: Citizens acknowledged affordable schooling but voiced concerns over the quality of education and limited employment pathways, especially for graduates and rural youth.Â
- Support for Local Businesses: Respondents want more active and visible support for entrepreneurs, especially around access to finance, market linkages, and simplified business registration.Â
- Improve Environmental Cleanliness & Public Transit: Concerns remain about environmental sanitation and the quality of public transportation services. Cleaner public spaces and reliable transit systems were suggested.Â
- Make Property Acquisition Easier: There is relative satisfaction with ease of property registration, but streamlining land allocation and reducing corruption in property-related processes would further improve access.Â
Â
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Jigawa
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Jigawa urgently needs to:
- Promote Integrity in Public Service: Jigawa ranks highest in citizen satisfaction with the honesty and integrity of public servants. This positive perception should be maintained through regular ethics training and reward mechanisms.Â
Jigawa State 2025
has made significant strides in governance, economic management, and security. However, challenges remain in revenue generation, infrastructure, and digital penetration. Addressing these issues will enable Jigawa to maximise its potential as a leading economic and social hub in Northern Nigeria.
Investment
Tell us about yourself