KOGI STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
The Confluence State’s Development
Overall pSPI Rank:
35th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Satisfactory 2-Star performer)
People & Culture
A Diverse Confluence of Tradition
Kogi State, popularly known as the Confluence State, sits at the meeting point of the River Niger and River Benue, with a landmass of 29,833 sq km across 21 LGAs and a population of about 6 million people. The major ethnic groups include the Igala, Ebira, Okun (Yoruba descendants), and Bassa. Other smaller groups also contribute to the state’s cultural diversity.
The people of Kogi are deeply rooted in traditions, with language and festivals playing a significant role in their cultural expression. Key festivals include the Igala New Yam Festival, the Yoruba Ogun Festival, and the Ebira Okibor Festival, all of which feature music, dance, and ancestral rituals. Religion is also a major part of life in Kogi, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional African beliefs shaping social and communal practices.
Politics
The Land of Unorthodox Politics
Kogi State has one of Nigeria’s most unpredictable political landscapes, where loyalty shifts and power struggles define governance. Since the return to democracy, Kogi’s elections have been marred by intense rivalries, violence, and high-stakes battles.
Former Governor Yahaya Bello transformed APC into the dominant party, but his leadership style and succession plan have sparked internal conflicts. The 2023 election saw Usman Ododo, Bello’s preferred candidate, win the governorship, but opposition parties remain a force to reckon with.
Kogi’s political future remains highly uncertain, with ethnic and regional interests playing a major role in electoral outcomes. No party can afford to be complacent in this ever-shifting battleground.
Economy - Rich In Resources but Lagging in Growth
Kogi State has vast natural resources, including coal, iron ore, and limestone, making it a potential industrial hub. The Ajaokuta Steel Company and Obajana Cement Plant are among the biggest industrial assets in the state. However, the steel sector remains largely unproductive due to operational challenges.
Agriculture remains a key sector, with crops such as yams, cassava, rice, and maize dominating production. Fishing and livestock farming also contribute significantly to the local economy. Despite these strengths, poor infrastructure, underutilisation of resources, and lack of investment continue to hinder economic progress.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦2,976 |  25th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦567,371 | 26th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦1.88bn | 33rd |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦1.88bn | 35th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 11% | 27th |
What this means:
Kogi State has moderate IGR performance but struggles to maximise its revenue potential from mineral resources and trade routes. With IGR contributing only 11% of total revenue, the state remains heavily dependent on federal allocations. Despite its strategic location, Kogi is underperforming in trade-related earnings, highlighting the need for better resource management and economic diversification.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Strategic Location: Kogi serves as a major transport and trade corridor between the North and South of Nigeria.
Industrial Potential: Presence of major industries like Obajana Cement and Ajaokuta Steel.
Agriculture: Leading producer of cassava and cashew in Nigeria.
Weaknesses
Low IGR Ranking: 25th in IGR per capita, showing weak internally generated revenue
Infrastructure Deficit: 36th in capital expenditure per capita, indicating low investment in public development.
High Unemployment: 35th in ease of finding meaningful employment.
Citizen Satisfaction - Public Opinion
Kogi residents expressed significant dissatisfaction in various public service areas:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 36th | 15% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 33rd | 22% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 29th | 23% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 36th | 19% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 35th | 41% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 34th | 41% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 35th | 16% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 35th | 16% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 35th | 25% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 33rd | 18% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 34th | 22% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 29th | 22% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 32nd | 23% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 27th | 26% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 30th | 23% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 31st | 16% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Better infrastructure and governance
Kaduna State
Business-friendly environment.
Lagos State
Economic opportunities
Kano State
Industrialisation and better business opportunities
Niger
Proximity and shared culture
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Kogi State
Poor infrastructure & job opportunities
Zamfara State
Insecurity concerns
Borno State
Insurgency issues
Taraba State
Poor economic development
Anambra State
Culture, ethnic and religious difference
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Survey findings show:
do not know their local government chairman.
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
This lack of grassroots governance participation is a major challenge for Kogi State
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Olamaboro (10%), Kabba-Bunu (9%), Ankpa (9%), Okene (7%), Ogori-Magongo (7%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
261 survey respondents, comprising both residents and Indigenous people, highlighted the following key demands
- Job Creation and Youth Empowerment: Respondents widely called for employment opportunities, especially for graduates and youths. Suggestions included reviving industries, vocational training, and grants for small businesses.
- Road and Infrastructure Rehabilitation: There were repeated appeals for the reconstruction of dilapidated roads, particularly internal roads in state capitals and towns, alongside calls for electricity and water improvements.
- Support for Agriculture and Local Business: Citizens recommended government grants, market access, and rural electrification to support agriculture and farming.
- Good Governance and Financial Accountability: Many emphasised the need for transparency, equitable resource allocation, and non-tribal governance.
- Revive Key State Assets and Encourage Investment: There was notable interest in reviving dormant economic infrastructure like Ajaokuta Steel and attracting private sector investment in sectors like mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Kogi
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Kogi urgently needs to:
Expand Infrastructure Development Across the State: Kogi’s roads, internal town networks, and rural connectivity are in urgent need of attention. The government should prioritise investment in sustainable road networks, water systems, and energy infrastructure—particularly in areas like Lokoja and other LGAs that experience frequent outages and poor transport access.
Enhance Job Creation Through Industry Revitalisation: With assets like Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Obajana Cement Plant, Kogi holds industrial potential. Reviving these assets through public-private partnerships and enabling a business-friendly climate will drive job creation and economic growth.
Improve Access to Basic Services: Despite relative strength in hospital availability and school infrastructure, citizens report dissatisfaction with the quality and affordability of healthcare and education. Increased funding, staff recruitment, and welfare programmes are critical to addressing these issues.
Invest in Agriculture and Agro-Processing: Kogi’s strategic riverine geography supports diverse farming activities. Expanding agricultural extension services, access to soft loans, and building rural market infrastructure will help farmers scale productivity and boost food security.
Strengthen Transparency and Local Government Autonomy: Public perception of corruption, exclusion, and weak local governance undermines trust. Decentralising decision-making, ensuring timely staff remuneration, and involving communities in planning can enhance accountability and engagement at the grassroots level.
Kogi State 2025
remains at a crucial junction. With strategic investments in industrialisation, infrastructure, and governance, the state can leverage its geographical and economic potential for sustainable development.