LAGOS STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
Centre of Excellence
Overall pSPI Rank:
1st out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Exceptional 5-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Heritage of Culture and Enterprise
Lagos is not just a city; it is an experience. The state’s cultural fabric is woven with the heritage of the Awori and wider Yoruba communities, blended seamlessly with influences from across Nigeria and beyond. The state is the second most populous state in Nigeria with about 16 million people, with 3,577 sq. km across 20 LGAs.
Lagosians are enterprising and resilient, adapting to the city’s fast-paced and competitive landscape. This spirit powers industries such as Detty December, Nollywood, Afrobeats, and fashion, turning Lagos into a global creative capital.
From the flamboyant Eyo Festival to street art in Lekki, culture in Lagos is not a side act, it’s the main event, lived and expressed daily across markets, festivals, and social gatherings.
Politics
The Unshakable Fortress
Lagos is Nigeria’s economic powerhouse and APC’s strongest fortress. Since 1999, the state has been firmly under the control of Bola Tinubu’s political machine, which has successfully transitioned power from Tinubu to Fashola, then to Ambode, and now to Sanwo-Olu.
Despite Labour Party’s strong performance in the 2023 presidential election, Sanwo-Olu secured a second term, proving that APC’s grip remains firm. However, changing demographics and rising opposition voices suggest that Lagos politics is evolving.
While APC remains unshaken for now, Lagos is no longer immune to political upsets, making future elections a test of Tinubu’s enduring political influence.
Economy - Where Nigeria's Wealth Flows
Lagos is the economic backbone of Nigeria, and the data confirms it. With a GDP larger than several African countries such as Mali, Gabon, Togo, Namibia, Malawi, Lesotho, Guines Bissau, Liberia, Djibouti, Gambia, Seychelles, Sao Tome and Pricipe, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Eritrea among others,
Lagos’ economy thrives on a powerful mix of commerce, finance, technology, and international trade.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦51,840 |  1st |
| IGR Per Km² | ₦234.9 million | 1st |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦840 billion+ | 1st |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 69% | 1st |
| Assets Per Capita | ₦222,568 | 6th |
| Debt Per Capita | ₦129,730 | 36th |
| Capital Expenditure Per Capita | ₦49,058 | 11th |
What this means:
Lagos is financially self-reliant, generating the bulk of its revenue internally rather than depending on federal allocations. Its strategic port access, thriving informal economy, and dominance in financial services make it Nigeria’s undisputed economic leader. However, beneath this financial success lies a paradox — wealth is not translating into world-class public services.
pSPI Performance - A Story of Contrasts
Strengths
Top Revenue Performer: Lagos ranks 1st in IGR per capita, per km², and per trade route.
High Financial Independence: 69% of Lagos State’s revenue comes from IGR, significantly higher than the national average of 18%, reducing reliance on federal allocations.
Digital Access: Lagos ranks 2nd in internet penetration.
Weaknesses
Debt Burden: Lagos ranks 36th in debt per capita, indicating a significant financial liability that could strain future fiscal sustainability.
Poor Public service: The state ranks 32nd in public hospitals per population and 36th in functional basic education facilities per population.
Citizen Satisfaction - The Public Verdict
Lagos may top economic charts, but the quality of life for many residents paints a different picture:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 25th | 17% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 37th | 10% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 25th | 22% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 27th | 20% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 32nd | 38% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 20th | 26% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 22nd | 24% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 20th | 8% |
| Awareness of Government Policies and Programmes | 24th | 24% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 29th | 12% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 24th | 23% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 35th | 6% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 36th | 11% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 37th | 7% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 9th | 34% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 32nd | 6% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Perceived better governance, cleaner environment, and less population pressure
Oyo State
Lower cost of living, proximity, and emerging opportunities in Ibadan
Ogun State
Proximity, lower cost of land/housing, potential for industrial growth
Ekiti State
Perceived peace, natural environment, slower pace of life
Osun State
Cultural link, lower cost of living
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Borno State
Security issues (terrorism)
Zamfara State
Banditry and limited development
Lagos State itself
Overcrowding, traffic gridlock, high cost of living, pollution
Kano State
Cultural differences, distance, and insecurity
Rivers State
Perceived insecurity, cult violence, and oil-related conflicts
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
The gap between government and citizens is stark at the local level
do not know their local government chairman.
are unaware of any ongoing LG projects
have no knowledge of any local programmes to improve livelihoods.
This disconnect reflects poor communication and a lack of community engagement, a critical area Lagos must fix to retain public trust.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Eti-Osa (17%), Kosofe (14%), Alimosho (11%), and Ikorodu (10%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
774 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people provided direct feedback on what Lagos should focus on
- Ease of Living & Affordability: Residents called for reduced transportation costs, lower school fees, and access to affordable healthcare, especially in densely populated areas.Â
- Tackle Agbero Menace: Professionalise transport regulation and curb extortion.
- Waste Management & Urban Cleanliness: Citizens requested consistent waste collection, cleaner environments, and enforcement against illegal dumping, especially in inner-city neighbourhoods.
- Traffic & Road Infrastructure: Frequent traffic congestion and bad inner roads were highlighted, with calls for better planning, road expansion, and enforcement of traffic rules.
- Youth Empowerment & Job Creation: Citizens recommended increased vocational training, employment programmes, and entrepreneurship funding for young people.
- Transparent Governance & Feedback Channels: Respondents stressed the need for more communication about government policies, project locations, and how to report local concerns or complaints.
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Lagos
Based on the PSPI data and citizen feedback, Lagos urgently needs to:
- Rebalance Spending Priorities: Move beyond high-profile mega-projects to improve basic services like public schools, primary healthcare, and water supply.
- Rethink Debt Management: With Debt Per Capita ranked 36th, Lagos needs a sustainable borrowing framework linked directly to long-term economic gains.
- Strengthen Local Government Performance: With 72% unaware of any ongoing projects, LGAs must step up visibility, accountability, and direct engagement with residents.
- Ease of Doing Business Reform: Streamline regulatory processes, eliminate multiple taxation, and end harassment by informal tax collectors.
- Cost of Living Intervention: Introduce rental price control, monitor market prices, and expand affordable housing to ease the burden on residents.
- Environment & Sanitation Drive: Aggressively enforce waste management policies and launch community-led clean-up initiatives across local councils.
- Public Trust Campaign: Directly link tax revenue to visible projects, and report spending transparently through digital dashboards accessible to all residents.
Lagos State 2025
a global economic player, a cultural powerhouse, but a state at a critical crossroads. Its future prosperity depends not just on its revenue power, but on how effectively that wealth is translated into real, tangible improvements in quality of life for all Lagosians.