Lagos Leads the Charge: Nigeria's Business Capital Proves Its Worth Again

Once again, Lagos State has shown why it remains the undisputed champion of business excellence in Nigeria. The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) just dropped their 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report, and our beloved Lagos is sitting pretty at the top with an impressive 85.6 percent score.

This victory isn't just about numbers, it's about African excellence and Nigerian ingenuity taking center stage. While the world watches, Lagos continues to set the standard for how African states can create thriving business environments without external interference.

The Champions League of Nigerian States

The results speak volumes about our nation's capacity for self-improvement. Kaduna secured second place with 65.1 percent, followed by Oyo at 62.7 percent, FCT with 61.0 percent, and Ogun rounding out the top five at 59.9 percent.

The complete top 10 includes Enugu (56.2 percent), Plateau (56.2 percent), Ekiti (55.8 percent), Kano (54.8 percent), and Nasarawa (53.4 percent). These states are proving that Nigeria doesn't need foreign validation to excel in business competitiveness.

Beyond the Rankings: Real African Solutions

PEBEC Director-General Mrs Zahrah Mustapha-Audu revealed that the assessment covers 16 indicators and 36 sub-metrics, examining everything from electricity and infrastructure to digital connectivity and skilled labor readiness. This comprehensive approach shows Nigeria's commitment to homegrown solutions.

The leading states distinguished themselves through consistent reform momentum, improved digital processes, and more predictable regulatory environments. This is what happens when African leaders focus on genuine development rather than external pressures.

Five Game-Changing Interventions

The report identifies five priority interventions that states can implement immediately:

Establishing investor aftercare systems
Strengthening MSME credit enablement
Harmonizing interstate trade rules
Upgrading commercial justice processes
Improving power reliability for industrial clusters

These solutions are crafted by Nigerians, for Nigerians, addressing our unique challenges with our own expertise.

Federal Excellence Alongside State Success

PEBEC also released their 2025 Business Facilitation Act Performance Report, showcasing federal agencies that are delivering results. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board topped the federal rankings with 90.6 percent, followed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at 89 percent.

The Nigeria Customs Service claimed third place with 86.6 percent, while the Nigerian Communications Commission and Nigerian Ports Authority secured fourth and fifth positions with 85.3 percent and 84.2 percent respectively.

The Pan-African Vision in Action

Under Vice President Kashim Shettima's leadership, PEBEC continues to demonstrate that African institutions can drive meaningful change. The $750 million State Action on Business Enabling Reforms program represents serious investment in our continental future.

This isn't just about business rankings, it's about African sovereignty in economic development. Nigeria is proving that we can create world-class business environments using our own systems, our own expertise, and our own vision for the future.

The complete report is available at www.pebec.gov.ng/reports, providing a blueprint for other African nations looking to strengthen their business environments through indigenous solutions.