Abia State has emerged as the third fastest-improving state in Nigeria, according to the 2026 Philips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI), reinforcing claims that the state’s reform agenda under Governor Alex Otti is gaining national recognition.
The 2026 Momentum Index, which assessed the pace of development across 33 states, ranked Abia third with a positive momentum score of +0.67, behind only Enugu (+1.15) and Jigawa (+0.77). The state placed ahead of several others, including Lagos, Ogun, Kano, Osun, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Anambra.
The index measures how rapidly states are improving relative to the national average, with positive scores indicating faster-than-average progress.
Reacting to the ranking, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the recognition as an independent validation of Governor Otti’s reform programme, saying it reflected the impact of policies aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening institutions and improving public service delivery.
Kanu said the administration’s investments in road infrastructure, education, healthcare, digital innovation, security, agriculture and economic development had begun to yield measurable results, adding that the government remained committed to accelerating development across the state.
He noted that reforms in governance, revenue administration, industrial revival, youth empowerment and investment promotion had continued to attract national attention and boost confidence in Abia’s governance model.
According to him, the state’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, prudent resource management and people-centred policies has contributed significantly to its improved performance and growing reputation as a destination for investment and sustainable development.
The commissioner said the Philips Consulting assessment further strengthens Abia’s position as one of Nigeria’s emerging models of transformational governance, assuring that the government would consolidate the gains already recorded while pursuing initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of residents.
The latest ranking adds to a growing list of recognitions for the state as the Otti administration continues its drive to reposition Abia through economic renewal and institutional reforms.
