NIGER STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
The Power State
Overall pSPI Rank:
5th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Excellent 4-Star Performer)
People & Culture
Strength in Culture, Power in Unity
Niger State, also known as “The Power State,” was established on February 3, 1976, and is home to over 7 million people and has the largest landmass of 76,363 sq km. Located in Nigeria, it shares borders with the Republic of Benin, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The state is divided into 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The state’s population comprises diverse ethnic groups, with the major ones being Nupe, Gbagyi, and Hausa. Other ethnic communities, such as Kadara, Koro, Baraba, Kakanda, Ganagana, Dibo, Kambari, Kamuku, and Pangu, also reside in Niger State. Religious diversity exists, with a mix of Islam and Christianity practised among residents.
Niger State has a rich cultural heritage, evident in traditional festivals such as the Nupe Day celebration and the Gbagyi Cultural Festival. Bida, the heartland of the Nupe people, is renowned for its brass works, showcasing the state’s artistic vibrancy. The cultural landscape promotes tolerance and coexistence among different ethnicities and religions.
Politics
The Sleeping Political Giant
Despite being one of Nigeria’s largest states by landmass, Niger has often been overlooked politically. However, its strategic importance cannot be ignored, as it serves as a bridge between the North and the Middle Belt.
Niger has been a consistent APC stronghold, with the party maintaining control through successive administrations. The 2023 elections reaffirmed APC’s dominance with Umar Bago taking over from Abubakar Bello, but the opposition remains active.
The state’s economic potential in agriculture, mining, and energy development means that future leadership will need to move beyond political rhetoric and focus on tangible governance.
Â
Â
Â
Economy – Tapping into Natural Wealth and Agricultural Potential
Niger State is endowed with abundant natural resources, including talc, gold, marble, iron ore, kaolin, and limestone. It is also home to three hydroelectric dams—Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba—which contribute significantly to national electricity generation.
Agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy, with significant contributions from crop cultivation, livestock farming, and fishing. The state’s fertile land supports food crops like yams, cassava, maize, and rice. Bida is a hub for artistic creativity and economic enterprise, known for its brass work and handicrafts.
Infrastructure is also a key focus, with efforts aimed at improving road networks, trade routes, and energy production. While the state government has prioritised road construction and agriculture to pave way for investment opportunities.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦3,031 |  24th |
| IGR Per km² | ₦289,455 | 34th |
| IGR Per Mineral Resources | ₦7.4 billion | 11th |
| IGR Per Trade Route | ₦3.7 billion | 26th |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 12% | 25th |
What this means:
The state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) performance reflects a moderate standing nationally, ranking 24th in IGR per capita and 34th in IGR per square kilometer, indicating low revenue generation relative to its landmass. However, its mineral resources contribute significantly to its economy, ranking 11th in IGR from minerals, suggesting strong potential in the mining sector. With IGR making up only 12% of total revenue (25th nationally), the state remains highly dependent on federal allocations. Additionally, its IGR from trade routes ranks 26th, highlighting room for improvement in commercial and trade activities.
pSPI Performance - Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Significant Power Contributor: A key player in Nigeria’s power supply, supporting national energy needs.
Strong Agricultural Capacity: Recognised for robust agricultural production across key value chains.
High Development Investment: Ranked 6th in capital expenditure per capita, reflecting a strong commitment to infrastructure and development.
Weaknesses
Low Revenue Generation: Records low internally generated revenue (IGR) per capita, indicating limited fiscal capacity.
Business Environment Challenges: Ranked 25th nationally in ease of doing business, highlighting regulatory and operational bottlenecks..
Infrastructure Gaps: Faces significant infrastructure deficits, particularly in rural areas, affecting access and development..
Citizen Satisfaction - Public Opinion
Residents’ opinions on public services in Niger State:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 4th | 49% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 5th | 37% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 17th | 33% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 15th | 35% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 8th | 56% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 4th | 43% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 7th | 43% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 5th | 26% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programmes | 2nd | 52% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 1st | 39% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 16th | 33% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 9th | 35% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 11th | 38% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 5th | 50% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 6th | 36% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 6th | 38% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Better infrastructure and opportunities
Kano State
Economic growth and trade
Kaduna State
Business-friendly environment
Niger State (itself)
Growing economy and infrastructure
Lagos State
Employment opportunities and infrastructure
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Zamfara State
Security concerns
Borno State
Insurgency-related issues
Niger State
Economic and infrastructure challenges
Anambra State
Culture and religious differences
Kano State
Political instability and overpopulation
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
Key survey insights from the PSPI survey indicate:
do not know their local government chairman.
unaware of projects at the LGA level
unaware of socioeconomic programmes
This gap represents a serious governance failure, suggesting that LGAs are not visible, accessible, or accountable to their residents.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Chanchaga (26%), Vida (10%), Gbako (7%), Suleja (7%), Bosso (6%), Agaie (6%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
342 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Enhance Law Enforcement Transparency and Human Rights: Citizens urged reforms in policing practices. Recommendations included community-based security models, human rights training, and setting up public complaint channels.
- Expand Access to Clean Water: Citizens called for increased boreholes, rural water projects, and better monitoring of water quality.
- Invest in Youth Development and Inclusive Growth: Many residents emphasised the need for youth-targeted programmes in agriculture, ICT, and entrepreneurship. The state was urged to partner with development institutions to boost skills and employment.
- Promote Educational and Health Worker Welfare: Though affordability scores are relatively high in both sectors, quality and satisfaction lag. Stakeholders highlighted the need for teacher training, better hospital equipment, and incentives to retain professionals.
- Improve Transparency in Property Acquisition: Digitising land records and reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks were top citizen recommendations.
Â
pSPI Recommendations - Action Plan for Niger
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Niger urgently needs to:
- Improve Security and Public Safety: Despite a relatively strong PSPI performance in other areas, Niger ranks 17th in security. The government should invest in community-based security models, strengthen local intelligence gathering, and expand security presence in vulnerable LGAs.
- Maximise Economic Potential through Mineral Resources and Trade Routes: Despite having a relatively strong IGR per mineral resource, Niger significantly underperforms in IGR per capita and IGR per km². The state should establish frameworks for formalising trade activities, strengthen IGR collection mechanisms, and attract investment into its mineral sector.
- Boost Fiscal Efficiency and Budget Credibility: Niger is struggling with fiscal credibility. To address this, the state should implement better budget tracking systems, improve IGR collection, and align capital projects with realistic revenue forecasts.
- Build on Infrastructure and Capital Investment Strengths: Our analysis indicates a strong commitment to infrastructure. To sustain this progress, the state should prioritise high-impact, people-centred projects and ensure transparency in project execution.
Niger State 2025
has shown remarkable progress in infrastructure and economic growth. By addressing key challenges in governance, security, and business environment, the state can unlock its full potential as a leading economic hub in Nigeria.