Niger
People
Niger State, established on February 3rd, 1976, is in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It shares borders with the Republic of Benin to the west, Zamfara State to the north, Kebbi to the northwest, Kogi to the south, Kwara to the southwest, Kaduna to the northeast, and the Federal Capital Territory to the southeast. The state is divided into 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) grouped into three administrative zones: A, B, and C, each comprising 8, 9, and 8 LGAs respectively. Covering approximately 86,000km2 (or about 8.6 million hectares), Niger State represents about 9.3% of Nigeria’s total land area.
The population of Niger State is diverse, consisting of three major ethnic groups: Nupe, Gbagyi, and Hausa. Other tribal groups include Kadara, Koro, Baraba, Kakanda, Ganagana, Dibo, Kambari, Kamuku, Pangu, Dukkawa, Gwada, and Ingwai. Additionally, the state is home to numerous settlers from other parts of the country. The people of Niger State are predominantly Muslims and Christians, with a minority adhering to traditional religions or professing atheism.
Culture
The state’s major ethnic groups, Nupe, Gbagyi, and Hausa, contribute significantly to its cultural heritage, with each group preserving unique customs and practices. Traditional festivals, such as the Nupe Day celebration and the Gbagyi Cultural Festival, provide platforms for showcasing traditional dances, music, and attire. Additionally, Niger State is renowned for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, with Bida, the heartland of the Nupes, famous for its brass work.
The cultural landscape of Niger State is further enriched by the presence of various tribal groups, each adding their distinct flavor to the state’s cultural mosaic. Despite cultural diversity, Niger State fosters a spirit of tolerance and coexistence, where different ethnicities and religions peacefully cohabit and celebrate their shared heritage.
Economy
Niger State is often referred to as the “Power House” of Nigeria due to its strategic importance in housing three hydroelectric dams: Shiroro, Kainji, and Jebba. These dams contribute significantly to the nation’s electricity generation capacity, providing power to major towns and local government headquarters in the state. Moreover, Niger State is endowed with abundant natural and mineral resources, including talc, gold, ball clays, silica, sand, marble, copper, iron, feldspar, lead, kaolin, columbite, mica, quartzite, and limestone.
Agriculture is a key part of Niger State’s economy, with favorable soil and hydrology supporting the cultivation of staple crops and providing opportunities for grazing, freshwater fishing, and forestry development. Farming, fishing, and cattle rearing are the major economic activities, supplemented by banking, trading, transportation, and local arts and crafts industries. Bida, renowned for its brass work, serves as a hub for artistic creativity and economic enterprise in the state.
Politics
Politically, Niger State operates within the framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution, with two levels of government: the State Government and the Local Government Councils. The state comprises 25 Local Government Areas, 274 electoral wards, and 3,187 polling units. Political participation and governance are decentralized, with elected representatives at the state and local government levels responsible for administering affairs and implementing policies to meet the needs of the populace.
Since its inception, Niger State has seen a succession of governors, beginning with military administrations, and later transitioning to civilian rule. Military governors such as Colonel David B. Kura, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, and Commodore Samuel Ogbemudia played significant roles in shaping the state’s early development. The state saw intermittent military rule until the return to civilian governance in 1999, ushering in a new era led by civilian governors like Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who served from 1999 to 2007, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, also of the PDP, who governed from 2007 to 2015, Abubakar Sani Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who served 2015-2023, and the incumbent Alhaji Umar Bago also of the APC, sworn in 2023.
pcl. State Performance Index
The pcl. State Performance Index provides a comprehensive assessment of Abia State's overall performance, combining primary survey data with data from credible sources. In summary, Abia State achieved a PSPI Score of -0.32, ranking 36th out of 37 states with a BBB rating, indicating Under Performance.
Summary of Analysis
Abia State’s assessment reveals a sub-optimal utilisation of its socioeconomic potential, compounded by the pessimistic perspectives voiced by its citizens in our survey. This combined evaluation results in Abia State receiving a BB rating, indicating “under-performance,” and securing the 36th overall ranking. Abia State requires significant improvement across all other indicators except for literacy rate and the capital expenditure to budget ratio. Additionally, effective management of citizens’ perceptions of performance is crucial. Abia State should prioritise strengthening public institutions, investing in infrastructure, and fostering human capital development.
Outlook for Niger State: Positive
The outlook for Abia State remains positive, contingent upon several key factors:
1. Political Shift: The recent election victory of Mr Alex Otti from the Labour Party heralds a promising change in Abia State’s political landscape. The public’s optimism suggests a heightened focus on people-centric governance, potentially translating into improved overall administration.
2. Private Sector Expertise: Governor Alex Otti’s background in the private sector, notably as a seasoned banker, injects valuable expertise into the state’s leadership. While promising, potential conflicts with the public service require careful management to ensure effective collaboration and governance.
3. Innovative Local Governance: A groundbreaking shift in local governance sees accomplished individuals and former military leaders appointed as mayors, a departure from traditional political appointments. While not constitutionally mandated, this innovative approach aims to engage elites in government, fostering efficient local administration and promising prosperity.
4. Infrastructural Drive: The prioritisation of major road projects, including the Aba-Port Harcourt road constructed by Julius Berger, underscores the commitment to transformative infrastructure. Well-connected roads are vital for trade and hold the potential to drive holistic state development.
5. Resource Optimisation: Abia State possesses untapped resources, including gas reserves and a skilled workforce. Effective utilisation of these assets is a key driver for growth and could significantly impact the state’s economic outlook.
While the current positive outlook is a good starting point for Abia state, it is crucial to recognise and confront specific challenges that have the potential to hinder further progress. These challenges include:
1. Early Politicking for the Next Elections: Due to the Labour Party movement in the Southeast and the need for the ruling party at the centre to gain more grounds, politicians and leaders in Abia might become preoccupied with preparing for the next elections soon after taking office. This early focus on political campaigns and securing future positions can divert attention and resources away from governance and addressing the immediate needs of the state’s residents. It may result in less effective governance and slower progress on important issues.
2. Ongoing Agitation in the Southeast: The Southeast region of Nigeria has experienced agitation and unrest in recent years, with various groups and movements expressing their grievances and demands. If not well managed, these ongoing tensions and protests could disrupt peace and stability in Abia State. It might create an environment of uncertainty that hampers economic activities, investments, and overall development efforts. Therefore, effectively addressing and managing these regional tensions is essential for continued progress in the state
Recommendations for Sustainable Progress
To ensure sustainable progress and growth and move Abia State to a positive outlook, the following recommendations should be considered:
1. Enhanced citizen Engagement: Abia State should prioritise engaging with its citizens through regular town hall meetings, consultations with key stakeholders, and transparent communication. Involving citizens in policymaking is essential for effective governance.
2. Political Solution for Agitation: The state government should engage with the federal government to find a lasting political solution to the ongoing agitation in the Southeast, fostering peace and stability.
3. Infrastructure Revolution: Commence an infrastructure revolution in the state using creative means such as concessions, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and project finance. This will enhance the state’s physical and economic development.
4. Strengthen Public Institutions: Pay attention to the traditional institutions and public service to ensure effective service delivery for the benefit of the public. Strengthening institutions is crucial for governance and development.
5. Maximise Domestic Trade: Improve tax reforms, enhance market access and development, and invest in transportation infrastructure to maximise opportunities for domestic trade. This will stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities.
6. Inter-State Collaboration for Progress: Collaborate with other state governments across Nigeria, drawing lessons from states like Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, Kwara, Gombe, and Kogi in various areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, financial inclusion, public institution strengthening, and the preservation of social and cultural values. Learning from the experiences of successful states can help Abia State bridge gaps and achieve its development goals.
By implementing these recommendations and focusing on the identified areas of improvement, Abia State can further solidify its position as a prosperous and stable state within Nigeria, contributing to its continuous growth and development.
Fact Sheet
Internally Generated Revenue
18.65 B
Y-o-Y
-5%
Per Capital Income
943,526.99
Y-o-Y
10
PMS Price
643.13
Y-o-Y
248%
Budget Size
160.52 B
Y-o-Y
9
Capital Expenditure
45.42 B
Y-o-Y
4%
Operating Expenditure
54.88B
Y-o-Y
1
Inflation Rate
29%
Y-o-Y
32%
Unemployment Rate
50.10%
Y-o-Y
5
Poverty Rate
10.7%
Y-o-Y
-65%
Infant Mortality Rate
115
Y-o-Y
37%
Literacy Rate
89
Y-o-Y
-7%
FAAC Allocation
82.95 B
Y-o-Y
35%
Data Source
National Bureau of Statistics:
▪ FAAC Allocation – 2022
▪ Inflation rate – 2022 – 2023
▪ PMS Price – 2022/23 Q4
▪ GDP – 2021 & 2022
▪ Mineral resources The World Bank
▪ Ease of doing business report
Kingmakers State of States Report
▪ Population
▪ Employment rate
▪ Mortality rate
▪ Literacy rate
Statista
▪ Unemployment Rate – 2020
NGF Digital Repository
▪ Capital and Operating Expenditure
▪ IGR
▪ Domestic and Foreign Debts
State Government Websites
▪ Budget Sizes – 2022 & 2023
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