Felix Omoh-Asun in Benin
The Edo State Government said yesterday rejected the recent report by the Phillips Consulting States Performance Index (pSPI), which placed the state at the bottom of its survey.
The July 2026 Phillips Consulting States Performance Index (pSPI) placed Edo last 33rd out of 33 evaluated states on its momentum and growth index.
The 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index (pSPI) placed Enugu State at the top of the 33 states assessed as the most improved relative to the national average, while identifying Edo State as the least improved.
The 2026 pSPI ranking was built on 37 performance indicators across seven pillars – security, education, health, basic infrastructure, governance, economic development, and fiscal performance – it combines 70 percent objective data with 30 percent citizen perception.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kazeem Afegbua, noted that indices used to evaluate Edo State predated the present administration of Senator Monday Okpebholo.
He said before assumption of office by Gov. Okpebholo the entire assessment period had elapsed.
According to Afegbua most of the fiscal, administrative and governance indicators used in the report had already been shaped by policies, budgets, expenditure decisions and institutional realities that predated the current government.
He asserted the report should therefore not be interpreted as a direct assessment of the performance of the present administration. “Rather, it substantially reflects historical conditions inherited at the commencement of Governor Okpebholo’s tenure.”
The statement said in part: “Ordinarily, the Edo State Government would not have found it necessary to respond to the 2026 Phillips Consulting States Performance Index (pSPI). The Edo Government welcomes independent governance assessments as important instruments for promoting accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in public administration.
“Such reports provide valuable insights that can assist governments in identifying strengths, addressing weaknesses and improving service delivery.
“However, recent public commentary on the 2026 pSPI has drawn conclusions that extend beyond what the report itself can reasonably establish, particularly regarding Edo State.
“While the report provides useful analytical information, it is equally important that its findings be interpreted within the context of its methodology, assessment period and the constitutional timeline of governance.”
The Commissioner stated that Okpebholo assumed office on 12 November 2024.
“By the time the present administration assumed office, virtually the entire assessment period had elapsed. Most of the fiscal, administrative and governance indicators used in the report had already been shaped by policies, budgets, expenditure decisions and institutional realities that predated the current government.
“Consequently, the report should not be interpreted as a direct assessment of the performance of the present administration. Rather, it substantially reflects historical conditions inherited at the commencement of Governor Okpebholo’s tenure.
“Any fair and objective interpretation must therefore distinguish between inherited realities and reforms undertaken after 12 November 2024,” he added.