KADUNA STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
The Centre of Learning
Overall pSPI Rank
3rd out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Excellent 4-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Diverse Culture and Home to Nigerians Defence
Kaduna State, known as “The Centre of Learning,” is a key state in northern Nigeria with a rich and diverse population of over 10 million people and a landmass of 46,053 sq km, spread across 23 LGAs. The state is home to multiple ethnic groups, with the Hausa and Fulani being the largest, alongside other communities such as Gbagyi, Adara, Bajju, Jaba, and more. Hausa is the most widely spoken language, though English is used for official and formal communication.
Religious diversity is significant in Kaduna, with Islam and Christianity as the two dominant religions. Kaduna is often noted for its educational institutions, including Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Kaduna Polytechnic, and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), which contribute to its reputation as a knowledge hub.
Politics
The Political Powerhouse of the North
Kaduna is arguably the most politically influential state in Northern Nigeria, often acting as a barometer for national politics. It has a history of producing powerful political figures, including former Vice President Namadi Sambo and Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
Kaduna’s political landscape is highly polarised, with a stark divide between the northern and southern parts of the state. El-Rufai’s administration cemented APC’s dominance, but his bold policies and confrontational style also stirred controversy.
The 2023 elections saw APC retain control with Uba Sani as governor, but the opposition remains active, particularly in the Christian-dominated southern regions. Kaduna’s unique mix of religious, ethnic, and political complexities ensures that no election is ever predictable.
Economy – A Multi-Sectoral Growth Path
Kaduna State has a dynamic economy driven by agriculture, industry, commerce, and services. It is one of Nigeria’s most industrialised states, housing major manufacturing hubs, textile industries, and car assembly plants.
Agriculture remains a key economic activity, with crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, rice, yams, and vegetables cultivated across the state. Kaduna is also a major centre for livestock farming, with cattle, sheep, and goats playing a crucial role in local and national meat production.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦5,950 |  13th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦1,355,384 | 19th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦3.28 billion | 28th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦7.8 billion | 15th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 21% | 10th |
What this means:
The state demonstrates strong financial health, ranking 1st in assets per capita and 10th in IGR to total revenue, indicating reduced dependence on federal allocations. While IGR per capita (13th) and trade route revenue (15th) show solid economic activity, resource-based revenue (28th) remains low, suggesting underutilisation of natural assets.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Leading state in assets per capita (1st nationally)
Ranked 4th in IGR to FAAC ratio, showing high internal revenue efficiency.
Strong industrial base with major manufacturing and trade hubs.
Weaknesses
Ranked 32nd in ease of finding employment.
High dissatisfaction in public service delivery, especially in education and healthcare.
Persistent security challenges affecting rural development.
Citizen Satisfaction -The Public Verdict
Residents’ opinions on public services in Kaduna State
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 27th | 28% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 25th | 20% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 33rd | 18% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 30th | 19th |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 28th | 43% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 32nd | 20% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 31th | 18th |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 32nd | 6% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 34th | 20% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 35th | 9% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 33rd | 18% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 33rd | 14% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 28% | 25% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 30th | 18% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 32nd | 14% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 27th | 15% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Better infrastructure and governance
Kano State
Economic and business opportunities
Plateau State
Favorable climate and education
Lagos State
Better economic opportunities
Kaduna State
Culture familiarity and family ties
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Zamfara State
Security concerns
Borno State
Insurgency issues
Lagos State
High cost of living and congestion
Kano State
Political tension and overpopulation
Katsina State
Insecurity related to banditry
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Engagement with local government in Kaduna shows moderate awareness but limited interaction
do not know their LGA chairman
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
Despite relatively strong political awareness, the level of direct citizen engagement with local leadership remains low and calls for deeper participatory mechanisms.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Kaduna North (24%), Kaduna South (20%), Zaria (12%), Kafanchan (10%), Chikun (8%
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
612 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Fix Security Challenges: Residents consistently raised safety as a major concern, urging the state to address kidnappings, banditry, and crime, particularly in rural and peri-urban LGAs.
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Kaduna State
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Kaduna urgently needs to:
- Expand Security Partnerships and Community Trust: Kaduna ranks low in security, with 53% of citizens dissatisfied with the safety of lives and property. The state must invest in community policing models and collaborate with federal and local actors to curb insecurity and rebuild public confidence.
- Revitalise Public Healthcare and Improve Affordability: Kaduna ranks 32nd in healthcare quality and 31st in affordability. Citizens cite limited access and rising costs as key issues. Strategic investments in health facility upgrades, rural healthcare access, and subsidised treatment will improve outcomes.
- Promote Employment and Economic Resilience: Kaduna is 32nd for employment and 35th in support for local businesses. Youth unemployment is a major concern. The state should prioritise SME-friendly policies, support agribusinesses, and launch targeted job and skills programmes.
- Upgrade Public Education and Learning Outcomes: Kaduna ranks poorly in education quality and affordability. There’s a clear need for improved teacher recruitment, rural school access, and education-sector governance.
- Improve Communication and Government Transparency: Kaduna is among the lowest-ranked states for awareness of government policies. A more transparent and digitally friendly communication strategy is essential to build public trust and drive engagement.
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Kaduna State 2025
remains a strong economic and educational hub in Nigeria. However, addressing key challenges in governance, security, and social services is crucial for sustainable growth and development.