2026 Phillips Consulting Index raises fresh questions over governance, service delivery and Edo’s development potential
The reported performance of Edo State in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI) should serve as a serious warning to the state government, policymakers and citizens, according to Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie Edoimioya.
Aikoriogie, in a strongly worded assessment of the reported ranking, said the result should not be treated as another political argument or dismissed without proper examination, but should instead push the Edo State Government to take a hard look at the state of governance and development across the state.
He said the essence of any performance assessment should be to show government where it is doing well and where urgent improvement is needed.
According to him, if Edo’s performance in the 2026 assessment is below what residents expect, the right response should be honest evaluation and practical action rather than political blame games.
Edo State, he noted, has enormous advantages that should place it among Nigeria’s leading states, including its rich history and culture, educated population, agricultural potential, business community, natural resources and strategic position in the South-South region.
But he argued that these advantages alone cannot guarantee development.
Aikoriogie said the real test of governance is what ordinary residents experience every day — whether roads are good, hospitals work, schools provide quality education, businesses can operate, young people can find opportunities and communities feel safe.
He stressed that government performance cannot be measured only through speeches, political campaigns, commissioning ceremonies or promises.
“Development is measured not by speeches, political slogans, or impressive ceremonies,” he said, arguing that the true test is whether government policies translate into better living conditions for citizens.
The 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index has therefore become a subject that Edo policymakers should examine carefully, particularly if the state’s position shows areas where it is performing below other states.
Aikoriogie said government should study the details behind the ranking instead of concentrating only on the position Edo occupies on the table.
He called for a proper review of the findings, identification of weak areas and the development of measurable targets that can be tracked by government and citizens.
Among the areas he identified for stronger attention are infrastructure, healthcare, education, public financial management, job creation, support for small businesses, transparency and efficient use of public resources.
He also urged the government to engage professionals, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, business leaders and ordinary citizens in finding solutions to the state’s development challenges.
The call comes against the background of growing expectations among Edo residents for visible improvements in infrastructure and public services.
For many residents, the most important question is not simply how government performs on paper, but whether policies are producing noticeable changes in their communities.
Aikoriogie maintained that Edo has the human and material resources needed to compete with the best-performing states in Nigeria, but said this would require disciplined leadership, proper planning and consistent implementation of policies.
He also warned against turning performance rankings into a political fight.
According to him, credible assessments should be used as a tool for improvement regardless of which political party controls the state.
“No responsible government should fear independent evaluation,” he said, stressing that assessments can help governments identify weaknesses and improve their performance.
He further said citizens also have responsibilities in the development process.
According to him, residents should participate actively in governance, pay legitimate taxes, protect public infrastructure, engage government constructively and demand accountability when public resources are not properly used.
He said criticism should not simply be about attacking government but should also come with practical suggestions capable of helping the state move forward.
The assessment, he argued, should therefore be viewed as a wake-up call rather than a declaration that Edo has failed.
Aikoriogie pointed to the importance of tracking progress over time, noting that states can improve their positions when governments identify weaknesses and consistently implement reforms.
For Edo, he said the priority should be to turn the state’s enormous potential into actual development that residents can see and feel.
He called on the state government to put all available institutions and resources to work in building a stronger economy, improving public services and creating opportunities for young people.
“Edo State belongs to all of us,” he said, urging stakeholders to work together to move the state towards a level of development that residents can be proud of.
The statement comes at a time when governance performance, accountability and service delivery remain major issues in Nigeria, with citizens increasingly demanding measurable results from elected governments.
For Edo State, the challenge now is to ensure that its rich history, human capital and economic potential are matched by strong institutions and practical development.
The reported 2026 performance ranking may generate political debate, but the bigger issue, according to Aikoriogie, is what the state does with the message.
For him, the answer should be clear: less excuses, more measurable performance and a government that delivers results that ordinary Edo residents can see in their daily lives.
IBN News reports that the views expressed in this report are those of Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie Edoimioya and do not necessarily represent the position of IBN News.
