Nigerian state governments have been advised to increase funding for hospitals, hire more medical professionals, and bridge the urban-rural gap in service delivery, following the release of the 2025 State Performance Index (SPI).
The nationwide survey, produced by Phillips Consulting Limited (PCL) and unveiled in Abuja, painted a bleak picture of healthcare in the country. Fewer than 30% of citizens said they were satisfied with treatment in public hospitals, making healthcare one of the most poorly rated areas of governance.
The SPI measured performance across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), drawing on both statistical evidence and public opinion. Results revealed sharp contrasts: states that invested in upgrading facilities and improving affordability generally performed better, while those struggling with insecurity, underfunding, and poor infrastructure ranked low.
Nasarawa was recognised for strong hospital access, yet the FCT came in last for infrastructure, highlighting concerns that the nation’s capital is failing to keep pace with demand.
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Benue performed relatively well on affordability, but only two in ten residents expressed satisfaction with care standards. In Kogi, just 16% of respondents reported being content with hospital costs, among the lowest figures in the country.
Across the board, healthcare was grouped with poor roads and inadequate water supply as one of the top three areas fuelling citizen dissatisfaction. Respondents cited a shortage of doctors and nurses, drug scarcity, high out-of-pocket costs, and deteriorating facilities as everyday struggles.
“Healthcare remains a pressing concern for Nigerians,” the report noted. “States that ignore this risk falling further behind in both perception and performance.”
Experts warned that the sector’s weakness is not only eroding public trust but also stunting economic growth, worsening poverty levels, and deepening inequality.
The SPI recommended that governments increase transparency in health budgets, strengthen collaboration with development partners, and design localised solutions to address pressing health challenges.
