Phillips Consulting Limited (PCL) has released a revised edition of the 2026 State Performance Index (pSPI), marking a significant update to the benchmark for evaluating subnational governance in Nigeria. The revision, which supersedes the initial 2026 pSPI launched on 23 July 2026, incorporates newly available FY2025 audited financial statements and strengthens the methodology used to assess state performance. This update reflects PCL’s commitment to ensuring its research remains grounded in the most current and robust evidence, according to the firm’s leadership.
The initial 2026 pSPI, developed using FY2024 audited financial statements, was later reviewed following the release of FY2025 accounts. A detailed audit of the Index identified areas for methodological refinement, prompting PCL to recalibrate the model, correct discrepancies, and publish the revised results. The updated index now provides a more nuanced understanding of state performance by separating current standing from trajectory, a shift aimed at improving comparability and interpretability.
The revised pSPI introduces two key measures: a Performance Snapshot, which evaluates each state’s current position, and a Rank Trajectory, which tracks changes in rankings across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 editions. This approach replaces the previous single Momentum Index, which ranked states based on a blended score. The new methodology measures movement by changes in performance rank rather than score differences, acknowledging the varying scales used in the three editions. This adjustment ensures a more consistent basis for analyzing state progress over time.
Financial assessments have also been updated to reflect FY2025 audited accounts, replacing the FY2024 figures used in the initial edition. The revised methodology now evaluates debt sustainability by considering both debt per capita and debt relative to state revenue, offering a more balanced view of fiscal health. Additionally, the index has strengthened its financial transparency criteria, assessing the timeliness of audited account publications relative to statutory deadlines rather than simply checking for their existence.
States without qualifying audited accounts are now left unscored rather than assigned a zero, preventing misinterpretations of data gaps as performance outcomes. These refinements aim to enhance the Index’s integrity, ensuring stakeholders receive evidence-based insights into state performance and progress. PCL emphasized that the revised pSPI does not alter the Index’s core purpose but improves how evidence is interpreted and presented.
Foluso Phillips, Chairman of PCL, underscored the importance of institutional discipline in research. “Credible research requires more than publishing findings; it demands rigorous interrogation of the evidence behind those findings,” he stated. Phillips highlighted that the revision was a responsible response to new audited information, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to stakeholder trust. “When our review identified areas for improvement, we undertook a thorough review and published the resulting enhancements,” he added.
Olawanle Moronkeji, Chief Operating Officer at PCL, noted that the revised pSPI provides stakeholders with a clearer lens to understand state performance. “The Index’s value lies in helping users see beyond a single point-in-time ranking,” he said. Moronkeji emphasized that the update enables governments, investors, and citizens to assess both current standings and evolving trajectories, fostering more informed decision-making.
Victor Mba, Senior Managing Consultant at PCL, explained the technical rationale behind the changes. “The revised methodology distinguishes between performance at a point in time and movement over time,” he said. Mba highlighted that incorporating the latest audited accounts and examining debt against population and revenue metrics aligns the assessment with real-world fiscal realities, reducing the risk of misinterpreting data scale differences as performance gaps.
The revised 2026 pSPI does not alter the Index’s original purpose but strengthens its analytical framework. The 2024 and 2025 editions remain unchanged, with the revision applying exclusively to the 2026 assessment. As part of the update, PCL has established a new publication cycle, releasing the pSPI after 31 July each year to ensure it leverages audited financial statements from the immediately preceding fiscal year.
This revised schedule aims to create a more consistent and comprehensive evidence base for future editions. PCL reiterated its broader commitment to producing research that supports better decision-making across Nigeria’s public and private sectors. The firm stated that the 2026 pSPI remains a critical tool for evaluating subnational governance, with the revised edition available at www.pspi.com.ng.
The public-interest implications of the revised pSPI are significant. By improving transparency and accountability, the Index empowers stakeholders to scrutinize state performance more effectively. For instance, the updated debt sustainability analysis could influence fiscal policies, while the focus on financial transparency may pressure states to adhere to statutory deadlines for publishing accounts.
Critics, however, argue that the Index’s reliance on audited data may still exclude states with delayed or incomplete reporting. PCL acknowledged this limitation, stating that unscored states reflect data gaps rather than performance failures. The firm emphasized that the revised methodology ensures such absences are not misinterpreted as indicators of poor governance.
The pSPI’s evolution underscores the dynamic nature of evidence-based policymaking in Nigeria. By adapting to new data and refining its approach, PCL positions the Index as a vital resource for tracking progress in a country where subnational governance remains a complex and evolving challenge.
The revised 2026 pSPI represents a milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to measure and improve state performance. With its enhanced methodology and commitment to transparency, the Index provides a more reliable benchmark for assessing subnational governance, fostering accountability and informed decision-making across sectors.
PCL’s revisions highlight the importance of continuous improvement in research frameworks. By addressing methodological gaps and incorporating stakeholder feedback, the firm reinforces its role as a trusted source of data-driven insights. The updated pSPI is expected to shape discussions on fiscal responsibility, public service delivery, and governance reforms in Nigeria.
The release of the revised pSPI comes amid growing calls for greater accountability in Nigeria’s states. As the Index becomes a more robust tool for evaluation, its impact on policy formulation and public oversight will likely deepen, contributing to a more transparent and responsive governance landscape.
The 2026 pSPI’s publication marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey toward evidence-based governance. By refining its approach and embracing transparency, PCL ensures the Index remains a relevant and reliable resource for stakeholders seeking to understand and improve subnational performance.