Enugu Emerges Nigeria’s Fastest-Improving State in 2026 Phillips Consulting Momentum Index

…Ranks first nationwide as Mbah’s reforms earn independent validation

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Enugu State has emerged as Nigeria’s fastest-improving state, topping the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Momentum Index (pSPI) with the highest Momentum Score of +1.15, ahead of 32 other states assessed across the federation.

The independent assessment, released by Phillips Consulting, ranked Jigawa (+0.77) and Abia (+0.67) in second and third positions respectively, while Enugu led the national chart, reflecting what the consulting firm described as exceptional progress in governance, fiscal management, infrastructure development and public service delivery.

According to the report, the Momentum Index measures how rapidly states have improved relative to the national average during the review period. Unlike conventional rankings that assess only current performance, the index evaluates the pace of transformation by combining objective development indicators with citizen perception.

Phillips Consulting attributed Enugu’s impressive performance to deliberate governance, disciplined fiscal management, sustained reforms and strategic investments across critical sectors of the economy.

The report noted that Enugu now generates more than twice its monthly federal allocation through internally generated revenue (IGR), following extensive revenue administration reforms. It also highlighted significant investments in water infrastructure and sustained capital expenditure as key drivers of the state’s remarkable progress.

«”Enugu recorded the highest Momentum Index score, supported by substantial growth in internally generated revenue through revenue administration reforms. The state now earns more than twice its federal allocation alongside notable investments in water infrastructure and sustained capital spending,” the report stated.»

The report further observed that states recording the strongest momentum were those that effectively translated increased fiscal resources into tangible governance outcomes through prudent financial management, institutional reforms and improved public service delivery.

Beyond Enugu, other states that posted positive momentum scores include Osun (+0.65), Kano (+0.46), Gombe (+0.39), Akwa Ibom (+0.33), Sokoto (+0.27), Borno (+0.26), Ogun (+0.24), Ekiti (+0.19), Kogi (+0.15), Kwara (+0.08), Kaduna (+0.01) and Adamawa (+0.01).

Conversely, Edo (-0.79) ranked as the least-improved state during the assessment period, alongside Imo (-0.72), Katsina (-0.66), Benue (-0.49), Ondo (-0.43), Ebonyi (-0.32), Oyo (-0.26), Kebbi (-0.25) and several others that recorded below-average momentum.

Reforms Driving Enugu’s Rise

Since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has pursued an ambitious reform agenda focused on infrastructure renewal, education, healthcare, security, digital governance and economic transformation.

The administration has embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of kilometres of roads and bridges, expanded water supply infrastructure, upgraded transport systems and launched extensive urban renewal projects across the state.

In education, the government is implementing its flagship Smart Green Schools initiative across all wards, while the healthcare sector has witnessed the establishment of Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres alongside the upgrade of existing health facilities.

The administration has also introduced reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, strengthening digital governance, expanding internally generated revenue, supporting agriculture, technology and youth empowerment, while deploying modern surveillance technology and a state-of-the-art command-and-control centre to enhance security.

Phillips Consulting described Enugu’s performance as evidence that purposeful leadership, disciplined implementation of policies and institutional reforms can deliver measurable development outcomes within a relatively short period.

The report further identified Enugu as one of Nigeria’s leading examples of transformational governance and noted that the state’s achievements provide independent validation of its ongoing reform agenda.

National Leaders Hail Mbah

Reacting to the ranking, former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, congratulated Governor Mbah, describing the recognition as well deserved.

Speaking from his residence in Amechi Uwani, Enugu South Local Government Area, Nnamani said the report merely confirmed what residents of the state and keen observers of governance had already witnessed over the past three years.

He stated that Enugu had become a national reference point for good governance, adding that Governor Mbah had transformed key sectors including security, education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, tourism and infrastructure within a relatively short period.

Nnamani described Mbah as “the poster boy for good sub-national governance in Nigeria,” saying the governor’s performance justified the overwhelming endorsement he has received across the state’s three senatorial districts.

Similarly, the Enugu State Caucus of the National Assembly, led by former Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu, commended the governor for once again placing Enugu in the national spotlight.

The caucus said the Phillips Consulting ranking accurately reflected the unprecedented development witnessed across various sectors of the state, noting that Enugu had regained its status as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and quality living.

The lawmakers added that the report further reinforced confidence in the administration’s vision of expanding Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, pledging continued legislative support to sustain the state’s development trajectory.

About the Index

The 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI) is a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of governance and development across Nigeria’s states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The index draws from FY2024 audited state accounts, FAAC allocations, population data and the 2026 Citizen Perception Survey, with the overall assessment comprising 70 percent objective data and 30 percent citizen perception.

Performance was evaluated across seven key pillars: Security, Education, Healthcare, Basic Infrastructure, Governance, Economic Development and Fiscal Performance.

Phillips Consulting explained that four entities were excluded from the final Momentum Index. While Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) failed to publish their FY2024 audited financial statements before the June 2026 deadline, Yobe and Zamfara published their accounts but recorded insufficient citizen survey responses to produce statistically reliable perception scores.

Speaking during the unveiling of the report, Chairman of Phillips Consulting, Folusho Phillips, described the 2026 pSPI as “a strategic national asset” designed to strengthen governance, promote accountability and accelerate sustainable development.

Chief Operating Officer, Olawanle Moronkeji, described the report as an intelligence tool that would guide governments, investors and development partners in policy formulation, resource allocation and investment decisions.

Also speaking, Head of the firm’s Abuja Office, Victor Mba, explained that the introduction of the Momentum Index marked a significant advancement in assessing governance by measuring not only where states currently stand but also the speed and trajectory of their progress over time.