RIVERS STATE, pSPI REPORT 2025
Nigeria’s Oil Hub
Overall pSPI Rank:
25th out of 36 states & the FCT
pSPI Ranking:
(Satisfactory 2-Star Performer)
People & Culture
A Richly Diverse State
Rivers State, known as “The Treasure Base of the Nation,” was created on May 27, 1967, from the former Eastern Region. The state capital, Port Harcourt, is a key oil and gas hub in Nigeria. The region is home to major cultural events such as the Carnirival Festival and the Bole Festival, which celebrate its rich traditions.
Notable landmarks include the Port Harcourt Museum and the King Jaja of Opobo Statue, both reflecting the area’s historical significance. The region also has rich natural beauty, with beaches, rivers, and rainforests enhancing its landscape. Home to approximately 9.6 million people, this state ranks as the sixth most populous in Nigeria.
It boasts a rich cultural diversity, with major ethnic groups including the Igbo, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Ijaw, Ekpeye, and Ogba. Over 28 indigenous languages are spoken across its 23 Local Government Areas, spread over 11,077 square kilometers.
Politics
The Political Battlefield of the South-South
Few states in Nigeria have a political landscape as volatile as Rivers. Dominated for years by PDP, River’s politics has been defined by internal power struggles and fierce rivalries, particularly between Nyesom Wike and his former allies. In 2023, Siminalayi Fubara won the governorship under PDP, but his administration has been engulfed in a battle with Wike after being appointed a minister.
The resulting political drama has destabilised Rivers’ power structure, with factions forming on both sides. The state is currently in a State of Emergency with all elected political officers suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Despite the political chaos, Rivers remains one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states, making it a prize that no party or politician wants to lose control of. The next elections could redefine Rivers’ political future in ways that are hard to predict.
Economy - Oil-Rich and Strong Revenue
Rivers State’s economy is anchored in oil and gas, making it one of Nigeria’s top revenue-generating states. As the headquarters of many multinational energy companies, the state plays a central role in the country’s petroleum industry.
Its capital, Port Harcourt, serves as a major commercial and industrial hub, driving growth in maritime trade, logistics, and manufacturing. Beyond hydrocarbons, Rivers is expanding its economic base through agriculture and aquaculture, leveraging its fertile land and river systems.
Key Economic Indicators (pSPI 2025)
| Metric | Value | National Rank |
|---|---|---|
| IGR Per Capita | ₦21,233 |  3rd |
| IGR Per km² | ₦18,376,701 | 2nd |
| IGR to Total Revenue | 34% | 3rd |
| IGR to FAAC | 84% | 5th |
| Assets Per Capita | ₦42,794 | 13th |
| Debt Per Capita | ₦31,788 | 21st |
| Capital Expenditure Per Capita | ₦39,508 | 22nd |
What this means:
Rivers State is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest states, ranking 3rd in IGR per capita and 2nd in IGR per km², manageable debt (21st in debt per capita), with revenue highly concentrated in Port Harcourt. However, low infrastructure investment and rural underdevelopment limit inclusive growth.
pSPI Performance – Less Dependent on Federal Allocation
Strengths
3rd in IGR Per Capita:Rivers State generates high revenue.
5th in IGR to FAAC: Less dependent on federal allocations..
13th in Capital Expenditure Per Capita: Decent public spending.
Weaknesses
35th in Public Health Workers Per
Population: Healthcare is understaffed.
.
31st in Public Transportation Quality: Transport infrastructure is poor.
32nd in Ease of Property Ownership: Bureaucratic challenges hinder investment.
Citizen Satisfaction - The Public Verdict
What residents think about Key services:
| Service Area | Rank | % Satisfied |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of Roads | 7th | 57% |
| Honesty of Public Servants | 29th | 7% |
| Security of Lives and Property | 28th | 17% |
| Quality of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 24th | 20% |
| Affordability of Public Primary and Secondary Education | 24th | 40% |
| Quality of Public Hospitals | 19th | 20% |
| Affordability of Public Hospitals | 28th | 30% |
| Gaining Meaningful Employment | 26th | 7% |
| Awareness of Government Policy and Programsme | 20th | 33% |
| Government Support for Local Businesses | 14th | 17% |
| Available, Effective, and Safe Public Transportation | 31st | 23% |
| Availability of Clean Water Supply | 31st | 23% |
| Cleanliness of the Environment | 25th | 20% |
| Buying, Registering, and Owning Landed Property | 32nd | 13% |
| Availability of Legal Economic Opportunities | 23rd | 17% |
| Attitude of State-Controlled Law Enforcement Agents | 34th | 7% |
Relocation Trends & Insights
Top Preferred Relocation States & Possible Reasons
FCT Abuja
Better infrastructure &
governance
Lagos State
More business opportunities
Akwa Ibom State
Proximity and
development.
Abia State
Perceived governance
stability and business
opportunities
Rivers State
Cultural similarities and
opportunities
Least Preferred States & Reasons
Borno State
Insecurity (Boko Haram
insurgency)
Zamfara State
Banditry and
economic instability
Imo State
Political unrest and
instability
Bayelsa State
Less infrastructure and
opportunities
Rivers State
Political tension and
instability
Local Government & Grassroot Governance
The government's presence at the local level is limited and often unnoticeable.
do not know their
LG chairman
unaware of local government projects
unaware of any socioeconomic programmes
Local governance engagement remains weak. This lack of grassroots governance participation is a challenge and needs improvement.
Survey Respondent Overview
Gender
Age Distribution
Employment
Top LGAs Represented
Obio-Akpor (39%), Port Harcourt (18%), AsariToru (12%), Bonny (6%)
Citizens’ Recommendations - What the People Want
99 survey respondents comprising both residents and indigenous people highlighted the following key demands
- Roads, Transportation, and Urban Infrastructure: Respondents requested dignified transport alternatives to old and unsafe vehicles and improved road connectivity.
- Support for Employment and Youth Empowerment:
A recurring theme was the need for government-backed employment schemes, especially for graduates and skilled youth. Respondents urged the government to revive vocational centres and provide access to capital and training for SMEs.
- Healthcare and Education Reform: Citizens advocated for free basic education, affordable healthcare, and improved staffing in public facilities. Many respondents emphasised the need for quality service delivery, especially in underserved LGAs.
- Improve Security and Conduct of Law Enforcement:
There were concerns about the behaviour of law enforcement agents and the general safety of lives and property. Citizens called for better training, accountability mechanisms, and community policing.
- Government Transparency and Inclusion: Many citizens expressed frustration with low transparency and political favouritism. They want the government to publicise programmes and budgets more effectively and to allow more grassroots participation in decision-making processes.
pSPI Recommendations - Data-Driven Path Forward
Based on the pSPI data and citizen feedback, Rivers State urgently needs to:
- Strengthen Basic Service Delivery in Health and Education: Rivers State lags behind in public health workers, basic education facilities, and public hospitals per capita despite its strong revenue base. The state should prioritise equitable investment in these sectors to reflect its status and boost citizen satisfaction.
- Expand Infrastructure Investment Beyond Port Harcourt: Most infrastructure development is concentrated in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt LGAs. There’s a need for inclusive infrastructure planning that addresses the needs of other LGAs, particularly rural and riverine communities.
- Improve Local Government Autonomy and Visibility: Survey findings show low public awareness of local government initiatives. The state should decentralise governance by empowering LGAs with resources and responsibilities, improving communication between leaders and residents.
- Address Environmental Sustainability and Oil-Related Pollution: Environmental degradation, especially in Ogoniland and other oil-producing areas, remains a pressing concern. The state must push for clean-up accountability, enforce environmental regulations, and implement climate-resilient policies.
- Enhance Ease of Doing Business and SME Support: While the state performs relatively well in revenue, it can do more to support local businesses. Targeted programmes including soft loans, tax incentives, and SME-friendly infrastructure will encourage entrepreneurship and drive job creation.
Rivers State 2025
wealthy but lacking sustainable development & governance transparency.