KEBBI STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
Land of Equity
Overall pSPI Rank
15th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Very Good 3-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Land of Agricultural Festivals
Kebbi State, known as the “Land of Equity,” is located in northwestern Nigeria and has a population of over 5 million people with a landmass of 36,800 sq km spread across 21 LGAs. It is predominantly inhabited by the Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, alongside the Zabarmawa, Dakarkari, Kambari, and Dendi. Hausa serves as the common language, while each ethnic group maintains its linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Emirate system plays a significant role in governance, with Emirs overseeing various regions to uphold tradition, culture, and local laws.
Kebbi State is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, highlighted by the Argungu Fishing Festival, Nigeria’s most famous fishing and cultural event, featuring competitive fishing, boat races, and vibrant performances. Other notable festivals include the Uduru Durbi, a horse-riding festival celebrated by the Zuru people to showcase their cavalry skills, and the Ehola Festival, observed by the Gwandu people to mark the end of the farming season.
Politics
The Political Crossroads
Kebbi is a state caught between two political forces, with PDP and APC locked in a constant struggle for dominance. Unlike some states where power shifts are dramatic, Kebbi’s transitions are subtle but significant.
In 2023, APC’s Nasir Idris won the governorship race, continuing APC’s stronghold in the state. However, PDP remains resilient, with Atiku Bagudu’s tenure under APC still fresh in voters’ minds.
Kebbi’s strategic location and economic significance make it a critical political battleground. The state’s next elections will determine whether APC tightens its grip or if PDP can stage a surprise comeback.
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Economy – Agriculture as the Economy Backbone
Kebbi State’s economy is heavily driven by agriculture, making it a major food-producing state in Nigeria. The state is a leading producer of rice, millet, sorghum, wheat, and fish, playing a vital role in food security, with the National Rice Production Initiative further boosting its prominence in rice farming. In addition, trade and commerce thrive due to Kebbi’s strategic location, enabling cross-border trade with Niger and Benin Republics, which enhances commercial activities. The state also has significant mining potential, with undeveloped mineral resources such as gold, limestone, gypsum, feldspar, and kaolin, offering opportunities for economic diversification.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦2,063 |  34th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦318,942 | 32th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦11.7 billion | 5th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦2.93 billion | 32rd |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 14% | 20th |
What this means:
The state relies heavily on mineral resources (5th in IGR per minerals) but struggles with overall revenue generation (34th in IGR per capita). Trade activity is weak (32nd in IGR per trade route), and revenue density is low (32nd in IGR per km²), indicating a need for economic diversification and stronger revenue mobilisation strategies.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
High Agricultural Output: Kebbi remains a key rice and grain producer in Nigeria.
Strong Cultural Heritage: The Argungu Festival and traditional leadership structure add to the state's tourism potential.
Moderate Security Situation: Kebbi ranks 11th in security, making it one of the safer states in the northwest.
Weaknesses
Low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Ranked 34th in IGR per capita.
Unemployment Issues: Ranked 14th in ease of finding employment, indicating job scarcity.
Limited Infrastructure Development: Poor roads, inadequate healthcare, and limited clean water supply are concerns.
Citizen Satisfaction - The Public Verdict
Residents’ ratings of public services in Kebbi State:
| 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
Kebbi State shows above-average awareness of local government leadership, but limited awareness of tangible programmes:
do not know their LGA chairman
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
This reflects a need for more transparency and community engagement at the local level to ensure government impact is visible and inclusive
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Dutse (19%), Birnin-kudu(13%), Hadejia (11%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
210 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
Jobs & Welfare Programmes: Citizens demanded employment, particularly for youth and rural dwellers. Many also called for increased civil servant wages and social safety nets.Â
Education & Health Reform: Respondents urged the government to prioritise these sectors with better facilities, staff support, and access to underserved areas.Â
Security Enhancement: While many praised improvements, others said remote communities remain vulnerable and requested urgent interventions.Â
Rural Development: Calls were made for improved road infrastructure, electricity, and market access in remote LGAs.Â
Transparency & Inclusion: Several citizens recommended more visible and accountable leadership, as well as direct engagement with poor and marginalised communities.Â
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Kebbi
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Kebbi urgently needs to:
- Bridge the Governance-Citizen Gap: Kebbi State should enhance communication between the government and its citizens to improve awareness of government initiatives. Strengthening public engagement through community townhalls, partnerships with traditional leaders, and consistent outreach programmes will help bridge the existing information gap and build trust in governance.
- Support Agriculture with Value Chain Development: The state should prioritise the development of agricultural value chains by investing in irrigation systems, modern storage facilities, and market access. These initiatives will enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and create jobs, thereby boosting the state’s agrarian economy.
- Invest in Public Service Delivery: To address the rising demands for quality public services, Kebbi must invest in upgrading healthcare and education infrastructure across the state. Recruitment and training of medical and educational personnel, especially in rural areas, should be a priority to meet service delivery needs and ensure better outcomes.
- Expand Employment Programmes: The state should collaborate more with private sector companies and federal agencies to develop and implement youth-focused employment programmes.
- Strengthen Urban Services & Security: As urbanisation in Kebbi accelerates, the state should focus on improving security infrastructure, transportation systems, and waste management in urban areas. Enhancing public services and ensuring citizen safety will be critical to managing urban growth and maintaining a high quality of life for residents.
Kebbi State 2025
is a strong agricultural powerhouse with significant cultural and economic potential. However, limited infrastructure, unemployment, and low IGR pose challenges to growth. To improve its PSPI ranking, the state must focus on job creation, revenue generation, and infrastructure expansion while ensuring stronger governance and public accountability. With sustained leadership and strategic investments, Kebbi can continue to advance its economy and improve the well-being of its citizens.