Jigawa leads Northwest in performance index, ranks second nationally

Jigawa State has achieved Nigeria's second-highest improvement in the Phillips Consulting (pcl.) State Performance Index (pSPI) 2026. This ranking underscores the state's commitment to prudent governance, fiscal discipline, and effective public service delivery. Jigawa also secured the top position in the North-West geopolitical zone for its 2026 Momentum Index.

The independent assessment evaluated all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory using 37 indicators. It combined 70 percent objective data from audited financial records with 30 percent citizen perception surveys. The Momentum Index, which measures progress since the last evaluation, saw Jigawa score +0.77, placing it second nationally behind Enugu.

The report attributes Jigawa's success to exceptional fiscal discipline, the lowest debt burden per capita in Nigeria, and sustained improvements in governance. Citizens expressed strong confidence, rating the state second in overall satisfaction with a score of 3.69 out of 5. They particularly praised road infrastructure, security, and the integrity of public servants.

The North-West zone was identified as the second-best performing in Nigeria on the Momentum Index, with Kano and Sokoto also contributing to its strong showing. Phillips Consulting noted that states making the greatest progress are those translating resources into measurable improvements through sound governance and financial management, not necessarily those with the largest revenues.

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The report further showcases Jigawa as a national example of responsible fiscal management, stating that the state carries the lowest debt burden per capita in Nigeria, demonstrating how disciplined resource management can deliver sustainable development outcomes even in a challenging economic environment.