Breaking: Kaduna Ranks Second-Best State in Ease of Doing Business

In a major shake-up of Nigeria’s business climate landscape, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has announced that Kaduna State has emerged as the second-best state in the country’s 2025 “Ease of Doing Business” ranking — with a score of 65.1%, trailing only Lagos State which leads at 85.6%.

The newly released 2025 Subnational EoDB Report evaluates all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on 16 major indicators covering 36 sub-metrics — from electricity and infrastructure, digital connectivity, land administration and taxation, to trade logistics, commercial-justice delivery, investor support and skilled-labour readiness.

PEBEC’s Director-General described the report as a “data-driven assessment” of states’ progress in delivering reform, infrastructure, and regulatory efficiency — a clear signal to investors and businesses looking for predictable environments.

Kaduna’s rise to No. 2 marks a turning point — reflecting years of administrative reforms, improvements in regulatory clarity and business-support infrastructure. The score suggests the state is now among the most attractive destinations nationwide for investment, new ventures, and economic activity.

Other subnationals also posted strong showings, with Oyo following closely at 62.7%, the Federal Capital Territory emerging with 61.0%, while Ogun delivered 59.9%. Enugu and Plateau each recorded 56.2% in a competitive mid-table push, with Ekiti not far behind at 55.8%. Kano strengthened its northern credentials with 54.8%, just as Nasarawa posted a respectable 53.4%, rounding off the group of states now defining Nigeria’s most competitive business environments.

With this ranking, Kaduna and the other high-scoring states may well redefine the geography of business opportunity in Nigeria — shifting investor focus beyond traditional strongholds.