Lagos Ranks First As PEBEC Lists Top 10 Business‑Friendly States

Lagos Ranks First as PEBEC Lists Top 10 Business‑Friendly States

Lagos State has been ranked the most business‑friendly state in Nigeria, topping the 2025 Subnational Ease of Doing Business Report released by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). The findings were unveiled on Friday at The Reform and Diplomatic Roundtable 2026 in Abuja, an event co‑hosted by PEBEC, the UK International Development Agency, and Nigeria Economic Stability and Transformation (NEST).

According to the report, Lagos outperformed 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to clinch first position in the ranking of the top 10 best‑performing states for ease of doing business in 2025.

The full ranking released by PEBEC showed

1. Lagos State
2. Kaduna State
3. Oyo State
4. Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
5. Ogun State
6. Enugu State
7. Plateau State
8. Ekiti State
9. Kano State
10. Nasarawa State

PEBEC’s assessment framework covered 36 sub‑national units and was based on 16 key indicators that measure the enabling environment for businesses including access to electricity, infrastructure quality, digital connectivity, land administration, justice delivery, trade logistics, investor support systems, crisis resilience, skilled labour availability, and regulatory compliance.

PEBEC officials highlighted that states implementing targeted reforms have recorded measurable improvements in business environment outcomes. Some states saw up to 40 % reductions in business registration timelines and more than 30 % improvements in land administration efficiency over the past year.

The report noted notable progress in digital service delivery, dispute resolution mechanisms, and other administrative reforms that positively impact investor confidence. Reacting to the ranking, Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu of Lagos State described the first‑place position as a reflection of deliberate and sustained efforts to create a positive business environment. He said the state will continue to pursue policies that promote both local and foreign investment, enhance economic competitiveness, and ensure that businesses thrive and deliver returns. “The ranking reinforces our commitment to fostering a business climate where enterprises of all sizes can succeed,” Governor Sanwo‑Olu said, adding that Lagos will leverage the momentum to attract more investors and strengthen its economic edge. PEBEC’s Director‑General, Zahrah Audu, also emphasised that the report’s outcomes underscore the importance of sustained reform across all levels of government to stimulate economic activity, enhance competitiveness, and deepen investor confidence nationwide.

The 2025 Ease of Doing Business Report presents not just a ranking, but a roadmap for states seeking to improve their business environments. With Lagos leading the way, the findings are expected to influence policy directions, deepen private‑sector engagement, and motivate lagging states to accelerate reforms that can unlock economic opportunities across Nigeria.

Key areas for future focus include improving commercial justice systems, harmonising trade regulations across states, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding investor support systems to bolster Nigeria’s overall competitiveness.